F.V Takapo Blessed at Port Timaru — July 2026

F.V Takapo was formally blessed at Port Timaru on Saturday 4 July 2026, marking the vessel's welcome to New Zealand waters ahead of the start of her fishing operations. The ceremony brought together government, iwi, industry, and Japanese diplomatic and trade guests, alongside representatives from Aurora Fisheries and the wider Solander Group, to mark the end of the Takapo's long journey from Türkiye and the beginning of her working life on the South Island's East Coast.

The blessing was led by The Venerable Harvey Ruru, kaumātua and Archdeacon Emeritus of the Anglican Māori Diocese of Te Waipounamu, with Shane Jones MP, Minister for Oceans and Fisheries, also playing a key role in proceedings and lending his support to the occasion on behalf of the Government. The ceremony called on safe passage for the vessel and her crew as she prepares for deep-sea operations in New Zealand waters. Overseas guests included Makoto Osawa, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Embassy of Japan in New Zealand, and the visiting delegation from the Overseas Fishery Cooperation Foundation of Japan, the Japan Overseas Fishing Association, and a major Japanese seafood and fishing conglomerate, marking the occasion for the guests gathered to welcome the Takapo home. The dual karakia and Anglican blessing acknowledged the sea and those who will depend on her, and set the vessel on her course.

Aurora Fisheries CEO Paul Hufflett said the blessing was a significant milestone for the company, coming after more than two years of design and construction with Tersan Shipyard and Skipsteknisk. With the Takapo now moored at her new home port, the Aurora Fisheries team looks ahead to her first season fishing the waters she was purpose-built for. Guests were also given a tour of the vessel, taking in her state-of-the-art equipment and processing facilities, medical unit, cabins, and other crew facilities, before the day rounded off with lunch in the galley.