A fresh chapter in fresh kaimoana and fish and chips begins with the previously named Bobby's Fresh Fish Market in Pāpāmoa relaunching today as Aunty's Sea Fresh Fish & Chips.

For loyal customers and locals to the Pāpāmoa Plaza based shop, the legacy that Tauranga's fresh fish king Bobby Palmer started continues on with his cousin Waka Motu.

Mainly known to everyone as Aunty Waka, she has been the heart and anchor of Pāpāmoa Bobby's since it opened and has been a part of the Bobby's industry 'since the year dot”.

It's a day of celebrations and welcoming loyal customers to the newly named store in Pāpāmoa. Photo: Supplied.

'Today we bless our shop and open our doors to Aunty's Sea Fresh Fish & Chips, with deep remembrance of our big man up above,” says Waka.

'We wouldn't be where we are today without the work ethic, the mana, the aroha and the urge to never give up that Bobby has taught us all.”

Robert Tonihi Palmer, known by all as Bobby, died on December 5 2022, aged 68 following a near decade-long on-and-off again battle with cancer.

Tauranga's fresh fish king Robert Palmer is Waka Motu's cousin. Photo: Supplied.

Renowned for Bobby's Fresh Fish Market, which has had outlets on Dive Crescent in downtown Tauranga, as well as at Pāpāmoa, Greerton and Te Puke, they were all run by Bobby and Agnes Palmer's siblings, children and grandchildren.

Previously, Bobby has said that the difference at his shops is the quality and freshness of the fish, typically moki and trevally, and because his chips are cooked in beef fat instead of oil. The tallow makes for crispy yet fluffy batter and distinctively tastier chips.

Bobby's love of family and commitment to business excellence was legendary.

Aunty Waka says as amazing as it has been trading as a franchise of the famous Bobby's Fresh Fish Market for eight years, after Bobby's passing, she would like to share with the community the anchor of her Pāpāmoa store, which is reflected in her logo.

'To us a business isn't about its name, it's the people. We as a whanau would like to say a big ‘thank you' to those who have supported us over the last eight years and continue to support us,” says Waka.

The famous Bobby's fish and chips. Photo: Brook Sabin/Stuff.

The same friendly faces, including four generations of Waka's whanau are determined to continue to provide all with the best quality fish and chips, fresh fish, and fresh seafood products and service with a smile that people are used to.

'The legacy Bobby created and left behind for his whanau will be carried on, now in our own way,” says Waka.

'Bobby is in our hearts every step of the way in this journey, and he will never be forgotten. There's no words that explains the appreciation and aroha that we all have for our grandad, cousin, friend.”

A celebration is happening instore today, Tuesday March 21 at Aunty's Sea Fresh Fish & Chips, Pāpāmoa Plaza. Photo: Supplied.

Aunty's Sea Fresh Fish & Chips opened the doors at 10am today, Tuesday March 22, and to celebrate there are loads of instore specials on fresh fish fillets, raw fish, seafood salads and delicious seafood including kina, oyster and mussel pots.

Lucky number prize draws and giveaways will be happening all day today for anyone wanting to come in and join in with the celebrations.