2025 Emerging Leaders from left: Sean Pennells (Sanford), Will Evans (Clevedon Coast Oysters), Tee Hale Pennington (CE - Aquaculture New Zealand), Teremoana Hamblin (Talley’s), Hiroki Wada (Sanford)Aquaculture New Zealand is pleased to announce applications are open for the 2026 AQNZ Emerging Leaders Award – a 12‑month mentoring experience designed to support and grow the next generation of leaders across our sector.
Now in its third year, the programme continues to deliver real value for both emerging leaders and their mentors. Feedback from our previous recipients shows the impact that one‑on‑one mentoring, shared experience, and industry connection can have on confidence, decision‑making, and leadership growth.
Previous recipients consistently say the awards helped them build confidence, leadership capability, and people‑management skills through one‑on‑one mentoring and real‑world advice.
They value the support, perspective, and practical tools gained from learning directly from experienced industry leaders.
Mentor, Mark Gillard, said the experience was equally rewarding.
“It’s a great feeling that I am making a difference to someone’s life experiences and adding to their skill base.”
Max Anderson, Team Leader with New Zealand King Salmon, applied for the programme to broaden his skills under experienced guidance.
“It was a great opportunity to develop my skill set under the guidance of someone with extensive experience in the industry.”
For Max, learning from real situations made the biggest impact.
“Hearing about real‑life scenarios that my mentor has encountered throughout his career and how he dealt with them has been the most valuable part.”
His mentor, Jaco Swart, Salmon Development Manager at Sanford at the time, says mentoring is about giving back to the industry.
“I have been fortunate to be part of an exciting industry and feel it is almost my duty to engage with the next generation of leaders.”
Harrison Mallabar, Team Leader with New Zealand King Salmon was encouraged to apply by his manager – and is glad he did.
“It has been an amazing opportunity. The one‑on‑one conversations with my mentor have been very helpful in gaining experience and tips around people management.”
Harrison’s mentor, Dane Kieser, Smolt Production Manager at New Zealand King Salmon, says the learning goes both ways.
“Finding similarities in our experiences and being able to learn from each other. The self‑reflection after each meeting has been valuable for both of us.”
AQNZ encourages organisations to think about emerging leaders who would benefit from this opportunity, (and experienced leaders who are keen to mentor).
We express our sincere thanks to the 2025 Emerging Leaders Awards sponsors:
“It has been an amazing opportunity. The one‑on‑one conversations with my mentor have been very helpful in gaining experience and tips around people management.”
Recipients will receive:
Complimentary entry to the two-day 2026 AQNZ conference, where they will also be presented their award
12-months mentoring from industry leaders
Professional development webinars throughout the year
Placement on the 2027 residential Leadership Hui
Applications for the 2026 AQNZ Emerging Leaders Award close on 12 June.
