MORE THAN JUST ANOTHER FISHING COMPANY
A STORY OF FAMILY & CULTURE
All good journeys start with a good story...
Waikawa Fishing Company traces its roots to the beautiful Marlborough Sounds, where a love for the ocean and whānau laid the foundation for a legacy.
In the early 1950s, Dale Connor, a young seaman from Wellington, met Mildred Keenan—of Ngāi Tahu and Te Āti Awa descent—in Picton. Their marriage and shared connection to the sea inspired a family culture of fishing, boatwork, and resilience.
In 1981, brothers Geoff and Steve Connor bought their first boat, the Mavis, and began fishing for butterfish and diving for pāua.
Despite facing initial financial struggles and scepticism from seasoned fishermen, their passion and perseverance transformed them into what they have become today.
Our Journey Through Time
Trace the milestones that have shaped Waikawa Fishing Company Ltd into the cherished family business it is today.
1981
F.V Mavis
The brothers bought their first boat, the Mavis, and started by catching butterfish in the outer Sounds, then switched to shark and paua diving.
1984
F.V Motuara
FV Motuara, a 45-foot fishing vessel, was launched. It is named after the island in Queen Charlotte Sound, which is home to Mildred’s whanau (Geoff and Stephen mother)
1989
F.V Swiftsure
F.V Swiftsure was used for catching Shark, Ling and Groper, as well as diving for paua and kina.
1992
F.V Te Kahurangi
Carey’s Picton boatyard designed and built the 19m Te Kahurangi. It is still working today, mostly Crayfishing.
1995
F.V Tempest
Joining our fleet F.V Tempest was used for catching Crayfish.
1997
F.V Star Keys
F.V Star Keys was purchased. Fishing for Crayfish and Bluefin Tuna.
2000
Paving the Way
Both the Tempest and the Star Keys left our fleet.
2009
F.V Sea Hawke II
F.V. Sea Hawke II was purchased and worked on catching Trawl Fish.
2009
Sustainability Initiatives
The company collaborates with Cawthron Institute on the developing new and innovative fishing methods.
2011
Refit for Research
F.V. Sea Hawke II was refitted to enter the New Zealand scampi fisheries and part of the Cawthron Institute scampi research programme.
2012
Connors Catch
Our own brand of scampi ‘Connors Catch’ was born.
2013
Celebrating Heritage
F.V. Pacific Challenger joined our fleet, trawling for Fin Fish.
Waikawa Fishing Company’s Deep-Sea Adventure: The Rise of NZ King Crab.
In the cold, ancient depths of New Zealand’s southern oceans—sometimes plunging over 1,000 meters—Waikawa Fishing Company found its next frontier: New Zealand King Crabs. These massive, spiny crustaceans are prized for their sweet, delicate meat and are notoriously difficult to harvest. But for the Connor whānau, challenge is tradition.