Fish of the Year is back for 2025, and organisers hope to attract 5,000 voters to raise awareness about New Zealand’s unique and vulnerable fish species.

Event spokesperson, Kim Jones, said the competition aims to engage Kiwis with the country’s diverse freshwater and marine fish while highlighting the threats they face.

“Many of our freshwater and marine fish are found nowhere else in the world,” said Jones. “With climate change and land use patterns putting significant strain on our waterways, many of our fish are at risk of disappearing forever.”

The 2024 competition saw over a thousand votes cast, with the pāketi/spottie breaking the three-year reign of ray species to claim the top prize. In 2025, organisers Mountains to Sea Conservation Trust hope to ‘scale up’ participation and encourage more robust campaigning.

Jones said many groups have already declared their support for specific species and plan to run dedicated campaigns.

“People really love their fish. Like, really love them,” said Jones. “We’re realistic that there might be a punch or two landed below the gills. But that’s all part of the fun.”

Voting runs from 1 to 16 March, with the winner announced on 17 March. Votes can be cast at www.fishoftheyear.org.nz.