The NZ Sport Fishing Council has a chief executive officer with the appointment of Steven Stanford. A press release from the New Zealand Sport Fishing Council said Steven Sanford has an extensive history in Business Management with particularly strong skills in  Business Development and Sales Management along with a host of General Management skill sets. He is also a keen fisherman and owns a charter boat that he leases to a well known skipper that fishes the Hauraki Gulf. Bob Gutsell, President NZ Sport Fishing Council described the appointment as a pivotal step in the evolution of the New Zealand Sport Fishing Council and marked the beginning of a renewed focus for adding value back to clubs and driving growth for clubs, and fishing as a sport and recreational activity.