Craig ‘Laws’ Lawson is synonymous with Te Ohu Kaimoana, fisheries and aquaculture. He has spent over 20 years with Te Ohu Kaimoana in a range of roles and has mentored countless staff throughout that time. He is highly regarded and trusted by iwi, and also the wider fishing community in Aotearoa who rely upon him for his considered and reliable advice. His contribution to Māori fisheries and aquaculture is immense, having worked on the design and implementation of both settlements.
Laws was also the inaugural Chair and CEO of Fisheries Inshore New Zealand, staying on as chair and director as the company expanded, in service of quota owners and fishers for inshore fisheries. Laws has been critical in shaping and enhancing the way we manage seafood today. He continues in service of sustainable fisheries management through his role as chair of the Inshore Council of Fisheries New Zealand, as well as a director of Seafood New Zealand.
Laws’ tireless dedication to supporting the seafood sector and extensive knowledge of historic and contemporary matters has made him a highly regarded expert on seafood management and policy in Aotearoa. Congratulations Laws on this well deserved achievement. Kei runga noa atu koe.
