Our History

The Blessing of the Fleet has become a cornerstone of Nelson’s maritime calendar — a powerful blend of remembrance, reflection, and celebration that honours the lives of those lost at sea and supports the community that continues to work the ocean’s vast and unpredictable waters.

The event traces its origins back to 1996, a devastating year for New Zealand’s maritime community, which saw the loss of 23 seafarers. Deeply affected, Mike Smith, a former fisherman and marine insurance specialist who had recently moved to Nelson from Sunderland, England, felt compelled to act. Drawing on his personal and professional ties to the sea, Mike envisioned a memorial and public ceremony that would honour fallen seafarers and offer comfort to the families left behind, many of whom had no grave to visit.

In 1997, Mike approached Sir Peter Talley of Talley’s Group Ltd to support the establishment of a community event that would pay tribute to those lost and recognise the essential role of the fishing industry. His vision came to fruition in 2001, when the first Blessing of the Fleet was held at Wakefield Quay’s Seafarers Memorial Pier, a site specifically designed as a space for remembrance and healing. As Mike once said, “When a life is lost at sea, families do not have a grave they can visit, so this memorial and pier were designed and built with that in mind.”

Since then, the event has grown into a treasured annual tradition, hosted by the Seafarers Memorial Trust. It continues to honour seafarers past and present, while celebrating the strength, resilience, and significance of the seafood sector in Nelson and beyond. The event marked its 20th anniversary in 2021, a major milestone affirming its place in the region’s community calendar.

In 2022, the event community mourned the passing of its founder, Mike Smith. The 2023 Blessing of the Fleet was dedicated in his memory, a fitting tribute to the man whose vision has helped generations remember, reflect, and come together.