A Look Back, A Leap Forward – a message from our captains

Kia ora e te whānau,

As we ride the first waves of 2024, we find ourselves reflecting on the whirlwind that was 2023, particularly December – our busiest and most wild month yet. The long days and relentless tides, the continuous hum of the engine, and endless underwater expeditions – it was a testament to our commitment, and to you, our Tora whānau. It's heartening to know that, like us, you care deeply about where your fish comes from. The strength of the moana is truly mirrored in the hearts of those who cherish it.

As we enjoy the bounty of the sea, we're reminded that the seasons guide our catches. The crayfish and kina season will soon be drawing to a close, with only a week or two left. For those wishing to indulge in the rich flavours of these taonga (treasures), our next catch is scheduled for this Tuesday. It's a perfect opportunity to savour the finest offerings from the sea before the season bids us farewell.

Last year wasn't just another chapter in our story; it was a testament to the collective spirit of Tora. We soared to new heights, clinching awards and making waves in the media, sharing each accolade with you as a celebration of our unwavering commitment to the ocean and its future bounty. The spirited Wahine Spring Dip particularly reminded us of the strong bond we share with our community and the sea that sustains us.

The new year brought with it a chance to pause and soak up the joys of life. We rang in 2024 with friends and whānau at our whare, with the moana gracefully stretching endlessly before us. The air was alive with the rhythm of music, surfing under the early morning sun, and the sizzle of wild food, sparking some friendly rivalry among us! It was a vivid reminder of the simple joys that anchor our lives.

Now, as we cast our lines into the future, we're not just fishing for the day's catch; we're chasing new dreams and charting new courses. The Tora Fish Shack stands as a new journey, a testament to community connection, and a tribute to the sustenance the ocean offers. Help us shape this journey by sharing your thoughts in our brief Tora Fish Shack survey. We have other exciting projects in the pipeline we can’t wait to share with you.

On a more personal note, March will mark the beginning of a new chapter for us as we tie the knot! With planning recently underway (proving we're as brave as we are crazy), we're taking the helm on the food front. It, of course, will be a wild wedding on the coast, adding that extra touch of adventure to our celebration.

As the world, and our nation, navigates its current complexities, our mission remains unwavering. Not just to fish sustainably, but to be a ripple of change in an ocean of possibilities. Our recent blog post 'Navigating The Seafood Industry' struck a chord, and we're inspired to dive deeper. This year, we're thinking of launching a series of educational pieces – perhaps you can help us name this wave of awareness? Your thoughts would mean the world.

Thank you, from the depths of the ocean, for being with us, supporting our mission, and for believing in a better future. As you chase your own horizons this year, we wish you strength, joy, and the courage to ride your own waves. And in these times, may we all stay connected to Papatūānuku, who reminds us to remain grounded: respect our whenua, seas, ourselves, and one another, especially as our nation seeks harmony and understanding amidst its current challenges.

Here's to a year of growth, discovery, and collective strength. Stay in the loop, stay with us, as we navigate the boundless seas together.

Ngā mihi nui,

Troy & Claire

P.S. Don't forget to subscribe to 'The Next Catch' for the freshest updates, straight from the heart of the sea.