HOKI
Takeaway
Vegan Options
Fresh Local Produce
Meet Hoki: Part of the Cod Family
When people think of fish and chips, cod is usually the first fish that springs to mind. But at Harbour Lights, we’re passionate about serving delicious seafood while protecting our oceans for generations to come.
That’s why we’re proud to serve New Zealand hoki – a wonderfully flaky white fish that’s not only delicious, but one of the world’s leading examples of sustainable fishing.
Same family.
Same standards.
Just less famous.
What is Hoki?
Hoki (Macruronus novaezelandiae) is a deep-water white fish found in the cool, clear waters surrounding New Zealand. Growing to over a metre in length and living for up to 25 years, hoki is known for its delicate flavour, snowy white flesh and light, flaky texture.
Its mild taste makes it incredibly versatile and a favourite for everything from traditional fish and chips to fish fingers and restaurant dishes across the world.
If you enjoy cod or haddock, there’s a good chance you’ll love hoki too.
What Does Hoki Taste Like?
Hoki is:
White and flaky when cooked
Mild and clean tasting
Slightly sweeter than cod
Excellent in batter
If you enjoy hoki, you’ll feel right at home with Coley.
From the Same Family As
Cod
Haddock
Pollock
Coley
All from the same cod family. All white fish. All naturally flaky. All brilliant in batter.
One of the world's most sustainable fisheries
New Zealand hoki has an incredible sustainability story.
In 2001, it became the first whitefish fishery in the world to achieve certification from the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC).
More than two decades later, it continues to set the standard for responsible fisheries management, with ongoing independent assessments ensuring the fishery continues to meet the MSC’s rigorous environmental standards.
That certification isn’t awarded once and forgotten. Fisheries must continually demonstrate that they:
- Fish at sustainable levels.
- Protect marine habitats and ecosystems.
- Use robust scientific monitoring.
- Adapt catch limits when stocks change.
Science - led fishing
New Zealand was one of the first countries in the world to introduce a science-based Quota Management System, ensuring annual catch limits are carefully controlled.
Each year, only a small proportion of the adult hoki population can be harvested, with catch limits reviewed using the latest scientific data. If stock assessments indicate changes are needed, catch limits are reduced accordingly.
In fact, when the industry noticed fewer hoki than expected in some areas, it voluntarily reduced catches well before it was required to do so, helping protect future stocks while scientists gathered more information.
Why it matters
Every fish we choose tells a story.
By serving responsibly sourced, MSC-certified seafood, we’re helping to support healthy oceans, well-managed fisheries and fishing communities that care deeply about protecting the future of our seas.
When you choose hoki at Harbour Lights, you’re not just enjoying great fish and chips.
You’re helping ensure there’ll be plenty of fish in the sea for generations to come.
