# Opportunity Party candidate Jodie Kuntzsch lobbied for bottom trawlers > Opportunity Party's Nelson candidate Jodie Kuntzsch worked in fisheries lobbying but supports ending destructive bottom trawling. - Title: Opportunity Party candidate Jodie Kuntzsch lobbied for bottom… - Summary: Opportunity Party's Nelson candidate Jodie Kuntzsch worked in fisheries lobbying but supports ending destructive bottom trawling. - Keywords: opportunity party, jodie kuntzsch, bottom trawling, fisheries industry, new zealand, nelson, political coalition, lobbying, sustainable seafood, marine policy, NZ Herald - Source: NZ Herald — https://nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/election-2026-opportunity-party-candidate-jodie-kuntzsch-lobbied-for-bottom-trawlers/premium/T3N5NR3VFJANXC4PRGGZSPWC7E - Read time: 2 min - Topics: opportunity party, jodie kuntzsch, bottom trawling, fisheries industry, new zealand, nelson, political coalition, lobbying, sustainable seafood, marine policy, politics, news ## Opportunity Party's bottom trawling policy The Opportunity Party says bottom trawling is destructive and wants to end it in vulnerable inshore areas like the Hauraki Gulf/Tīkapa Moana. > The party outlined conditions for entering a coalition ## Jodie Kuntzsch's background Jodie Kuntzsch, Opportunity's Nelson candidate, has worked in the marine space for 20 years and runs a consultancy focused on seafood industry transparency. > I will leave that to you to decide ## Kuntzsch's work history Kuntzsch worked for Deepwater Group, now the Deepwater Council, and the Open Seas transparency initiative within the blue economy. > I can't give you a direct yes or no answer to that one ## Kuntzsch on bottom trawling Kuntzsch said she supported sustainable bottom trawling in the past but now supports a staged phase-out recognizing critical habitats needing urgent action. > it is not a binary ## Kuntzsch's stance on lobbying Kuntzsch supports the party's policy to crack down on lobbying and create a public register of lobbyists to improve government transparency. > For me it doesn't matter whether it's defined as lobbying or not ## Kuntzsch's political history Kuntzsch previously had some involvement with New Zealand First over regional development and sustainable seafood issues but denies being a member. > Does it, does it matter to you if I was ## Opportunity Party's coalition policy The party has five non-negotiable bottom-line policies for coalition partners, including regulating lobbyists and ending bottom trawling. > The party outlined conditions for entering a coalition ## Kuntzsch's industry role Kuntzsch ran Jansencampbell consultancy from 2016, focusing on improving transparency and performance across the seafood industry globally. > I represented and advocated on behalf of the seafood industry ## Kuntzsch's sustainability focus Kuntzsch emphasized ensuring a sustainable seafood industry through environmental, social, and climate adaptability measures. > my focus has been on ensuring that we have a sustainable seafood industry ## Kuntzsch's policy support Kuntzsch supports the party's current policy on ending bottom trawling in vulnerable areas and phasing out the practice in stages. > it is not a binary ## New Zealand First opposition New Zealand First, a party vocal in its support for fisheries, has spoken out against Opportunity's policy to crack down on bottom trawling. > probably the party that we have the least in common with ## Kuntzsch's political alignment Kuntzsch has been involved with multiple political parties in the past but says she has never fully aligned with any party as she does now with Opportunity. > there's nuance to some of that ## Opportunity's coalition strategy The Opportunity Party is staking its political future on a crackdown on lobbying and outlawing destructive bottom trawling practices. > the party is fully aware of the candidate's work history ## Kuntzsch's transparency focus Kuntzsch described her career as focused on improving transparency and performance in environmental, social, and climate adaptability areas. > my career has focused on improving transparency and performance ## Kuntzsch's industry advocacy Kuntzsch served as an industry expert in parliamentary select committee hearings and the High Court of New Zealand. > I represented and advocated on behalf of the seafood industry ## Kuntzsch's policy stance Kuntzsch supports the staged phase-out of bottom trawling in New Zealand, recognizing critical habitats needing urgent action. > it is not a binary ## Key takeaway Opportunity Party candidate Jodie Kuntzsch previously worked as a seafood industry lobbyist but supports phasing out bottom trawling in New Zealand.