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Stay On Course

FirstMate New Zealand supports the health and wellbeing of people across the commercial seafood sector. Our goal is to offer fishers and businesses the guidance, direction and support they need to better navigate the pressures and complexities that come with the job. Working at sea can be very challenging – mentally, physically, legally and financially. And as things continue to change, it’s vital that people in the industry – and their whānau – have the support they need to adjust and thrive.

Call 0800 ADRIFT (0800 237 438)
for support or advice

Check out what events are happening near you!

Seafood Sector Wellbeing Event 

17th September 2023

Join us on 17 September, between 12 pm and 3 pm, at Ruawai-Tokatoka War Memorial Hall in Ruawai, Northland, for an unmissable seafood sector wellbeing event.

Click here to find out more

At FirstMate, we are here to help. We: 

  • Offer three free counselling sessions for you, or your family

  • Offer group and family counselling services

  • Can support you and help you understand the complexities of regulatory compliance like:

    • Health and Safety

    • MOSS

    • Fisheries Act

    • and through any compliance action by providing a support person

  • Can assist you to connect with the services/support that you specifically need, and we will be at your side throughout the process 

  • Can connect with our Health Navigator who can assist with navigating the health system and your personal health

About Us

FirstMate is a charity run by people who understand what it means to be part of New Zealand’s dynamic and challenging seafood industry. Each member of our team brings a unique set of skills and expertise to our organisation, and together we do our best to help the seafood community through the hard times and to provide you with one-on-one support when you need it the most.

Our Navigators

Our Navigators are here to give the guidance, direction and support to navigate what’s ahead. They have deep knowledge of the seafood sector and know what you might be going through because many of them have been through it too. Now, they want to give something back to the sector. There is no agenda and no judgment, just a willingness to put you first.

“The support was instant. As soon as I rang them someone was in touch. It really felt like they were supporting you”

“FirstMate had the understanding and kindness to talk to people on the boat and help them…The kindness and help they gave the boat was bloody good”

“Just the checking in is really nice. Especially for a male. I know it’s good to talk about it [mental health], but it’s not easy to find that person to talk to about it”

Make a donation

Your donation goes directly to helping the seafood community improve their wellbeing. Email donate@firstmate.org.nz to discuss ways you can support our work, from sponsoring an event or initiative to making a one-off or ongoing donation.

Firstmate in action

Click on the images below to watch the video.

Call 0800 ADRIFT for support any day between 7am and 10pm or email info@firstmate.org.nz to access the support you need. We also have a growing library of free resources available for you to access on our website.

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