Thank you for making it to this point, where you want to learn a little more about the weirdo making things out of fish skins.
I’m a qualified Marine Scientist, father of two incredible boys, sub-standard fisherman and casual at home gardener.
My love for the ocean and fishing comes from growing up alongside the coastline spending my time exploring, fishing and using it as a way to stay out of trouble.
My journey with Ofishal Leather began amidst the vast expanse of the sea, where I served as a Fisheries Observer for the New Zealand Government. It was a role that opened my eyes to the staggering amount of fish offcuts wasted and underutilised in the commercial fishing industry. Every day, I watched as valuable resources slipped through our fingers, destined for the discard pile or fish meal plant.
However, it was during my time as the project lead of 'The Kai Ika Project' that the true extent of this waste became painfully clear. The project aims to promote the use of fish heads, frames, and offcuts – parts of the fish typically discarded – as a valuable food source. As I delved deeper into the project, I couldn't shake the feeling that there had to be more we could do with these often-overlooked parts of the fish.
This realisation led me to explore alternative ways to utilise these resources, eventually leading me to the world of fish leather. Inspired by the idea of transforming waste into something beautiful and functional, I embarked on a journey of discovery, experimenting with different techniques and processes until I found the perfect balance of sustainability and craftsmanship.
In 2021, I had the opportunity to share my passion for fish utilisation and sustainable fashion on the TEDx stage, where I spoke about 'The Kai Ika Project' and the importance of thinking beyond the fillet. It was a pivotal moment for me – a chance to amplify my message and inspire others to join me in the fight against waste in the fishing industry.
And so, Ofishal Leather was born. With a mission to create small leather goods using fish leather, starting with wallets, we set out to prove that commercial fishing communities don't have to catch more fish to make more money – they just have to be more innovative. By harnessing the potential of fish leather, we can generate more value from every fish harvested in our waters, while also promoting sustainable practices and conservation efforts.
For me, utilisation IS conservation. It's about recognising the inherent value in every part of the fish and finding creative ways to minimise waste. Through Ofishal Leather, I hope to not only redefine the way we think about fish leather but also to inspire a new generation of entrepreneurs to explore the untapped potential of our oceans.
Together, we can create a more sustainable future – one fish leather wallet at a time.