September 2025 - 240 The Fishing Paper and Hunting News
• Swarovski Optic expands NL Pure series - pg 4
• Bowfishing , have you tried it ? - pg 6
• Island Bay Bait HouseMarine Education is a must for NZ - pg 12
We feature compliance in a number of articles this month - the good aspects and the breaches that are all too common
"Compliance with regulations is not a burden; it is an investment in the future—a way to ensure that this nation’s remarkable coastal fisheries remain" D Sykes
It would be easy to stay here in bed snuggled beside the one I love. I linger longer and luxuriate in his body heat, all too aware the temperature outdoors will be sub-zero.
Outdoors I’ve a job to do, a pasture rooter to locate and to remove by means fair or foul. Locating said rooter will be easier with fresh scent and fresh dogs, a dawn raid necessarily precluded by a stealthy approach and an honest e ort. Sub-zero is a miserly description of the morning. This is more than a mere temperature, it is literally breath taking - converting invisible inhalation to steaming white exhalation.
In common terms a morning such as this is known as a ‘ball shrinker’ but, truth be told, my anatomy doesn’t allow for a genuine appreciation of the sensation of receding testicles.
My feminine self does however recognise the beauty as I drive southwards in the pre-dawn gloom. The road afore me is a pale ribbon laced with a billion diamantes. Headlights reflect in a wave of dazzling sparkles marred only by the occasional pothole. Reflectors on bridge buttresses and cattlestop posts throw in flashes of gold. Late-feeding possum’s eyes shine a pretty pink.
Further south yet and the bitumen cedes to gravel. The roadside gates now festooned with chains and padlocks. As I gain altitude, the temperature plummets. Now the route is pocked with bigger potholes and dotted too, with the frozen dung from cattle. Puddles and fords are crusted with sheet ice and the vegetation is as white as snow.
It would be easy to stay in the ute, with the heater going and my canines snug in their box, but the high-country hills are calling my name. Somewhere out there is a pig with fresh dirt on its snout and a trail of wrecked winter pasture in its wake.
Besides, I need to get out to pee.
The
Sub-Editor:
Shrinkage is Real
If I could avoid this most necessary activity I most certainly would. A down-trou in these temperatures will be extremely unpleasant. If there’s one thing men do better than us women it’s piddling with pants on - no semi-naked exposure, no two moons, no flash of mottled blue skin, dimples and goosebumps – men just unzip and let rip. Shiver. Swipe. Sigh.
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At 600 plus metres their tracker signals go from straight line to baubles of solid colour. One red, one purple.
The baubles remain stationary for minutes before breaking into individual lines once more. Then, as old Chop and I sorta hobble-run towards them, they tangle into a single entity and my receiver tells me ‘Nugget Treed.’
Three dogs collared. One rifle shouldered. Two hands shoved deep into pockets. We continue south on foot, noses into the downdraft, ears pricked, eyes watering in the bone chilling cold. All is still, all living things waiting for the sun’s warmth.
Apparently, the sun doesn’t want to get out of bed this morning either. He’s slow to rise, a smile yet to warm his pale features. Later, once we’ve all emptied our bladders and oxygenated our bloodstreams with some brisk walking, Nugget and Pip accelerate with intent. Their body language indicates this is more than a run for fun. Their questing noses have intercepted the tiniest of flows of scent and they follow it hurriedly towards its source.
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Bah, bullshit. Nugget doesn’t do treed. Yelling “come hither” is as alien to him as green men from Mars are to me.
I wade the creek, hobble-run up the frozen flats, mouth-breathing audibly - old Chop pauses, cocks his head this way and that, then bolts away. I consult the tracker again, a pathetic cover for catching my breath. ‘Nugget Treed.’ ‘Pip Treed.’ Moments later the blue line, which indicates Chop’s progress stops and joins the others, then his symbol flashes up ‘Chop Treed.’
On one hand I’m excited, their quarry must be an adult boar. On the other hand, it means I must go faster, further – chaps rustling, boots thudding, breath rasping, baggage, boobs and belly rolls bouncing about in an
uncoordinated flurry. There!
There in an environment of drab hues faded grey and silver by winter cruelty, is a dash of bright white, of pale gold and of blood red. The three dogs are harrying a good boar and yes, Nugget is yelling “come hither.”
The boar’s lop ear and Nugget’s multitude of fresh wounds are a sign they had exchanged unpleasantries earlier. It is an impressive scene, and, with hackles high and mouth agape the boar looks as aggressive as they come.
There’ll be no arm wrestling today. No heart stick after gaining the upper hand. This is a job for the battered Remington. No mucking about, no camera shoot or voice mail – just a tactical approach and a trigger pull.
The boar is short in the wheelbase and wide through the chest. His coat is long and dense, his tail hairs frozen into a clump after running through ice-laden vegetation and he’s fat. It is both rare and surprising to see a winter boar so wellconditioned.
I briefly attempt to capture our good deed to film, and all the while the dogs shiver and Nugget bleeds. Attention turns to preparing the boar for extrication, the old guts out and nuts out routine.
But hang on, here is evidence to prove this morning’s bitterly cold frost is indeed a ‘ball shrinker.’ The boar’s scrotum is smooth, not the typical tough and wrinkled sac. When I slice and dice, I find just one testicle - one very small testicle, retracted so deep it’s up behind the boar’s Adam’s Apple.
But wait, there’s more. Later, when I come back to the scene of the crime to carry my trophy away, the boar has shrunk. I swear he was impressive when I left. Now he’s, well damn it, he’s lighter and not just one stone lighter - now he’s looking pretty blimmin’ average. Ball shrinkage and ground shrinkage – both are real!
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Southland Summer Surfcasting Season Summary Finn Meijer
People often regard Southland as a trout fishing region, with only the best fishing taking the form of fly-fishing for monster brown trout in the Matuara river. For years, I believed that the cold, windy and treacherous Foveaux Strait and areas around it, provided poor land based sea fishing opportunities. How wrong I was. During the months from November through to February, you would find me constantly plunged in waist deep cold southern waters, surfcasting o a stunning Southland beach.
My passion for surfcasting in Southland waters was formed after a trip to Blu Wharf where I rediscovered the passion a younger version of me once had, and I fell in love with fishing again. I was hooked! After a few years of wharf fishing, I began to wonder about what other possible land based saltwater fishing options there are around Southland that are both accessible and enjoyable to fish at.
It was after a proper surfcasting trip with my mate late October, that my passion for surfcasting really became formed. Fully emerging yourself into nature, battling the true form of the sea and taking on the elements. While on edge that your rod is going to get torn out of your rod holder and absolutely start peeling line, is a rush.
When surfcasting I make sure to enjoy the scenery of the place I’m fishing, along with making the most of the conditions, whether that is the golden light of the sun reflecting o the shingle beach to create an imagery of warmth and beauty. Dull grey sand and thrashing waves failing to block out the howling , snarling wind coming from Foveaux Strait.
I did have quite a few highlights and favourite spots for my Southland summer surfcasting season, where I fished in lots of stunning locations and caught even more stunning fish.
Tiwai
On the opposite side of the Blu Harbour I spent so much time fishing, the beautiful shingle beaches of Tiwai produced not just majestic views but majestic fishing. Lots of gurnard were landed, with frequent catches of kahawai, school shark and dogfish showcasing only some of what the rich waters of the South have to o er. The best highlight of my summer was when I pulled up to the beach and was greeted
by hundreds of birds working up right on the beach. I sprinted 500 metres down the beach towards the massive workup with my surfcaster, stopping to throw all the stranded bait fish on the beach back in the water, These bait fish were stranded due to getting launched onto the beach by the mass of birds and acrobatic kahawai. My silver spinner
with larger waves held decent sized fish, along with paper flat beaches being abundant with smaller fish species such as dogfish. The calm waters of Riverton were an ideal spot for my first southern surfcasting session, which captured the beauty of the south and is the spot, overrun with dogfish, that originally hooked me into surfcasting. The highlight
was launched into the middle of the swarm of birds swooping into the frenzy of silver baitfish, and it didn’t take me long before I hooked up. I ended up landing back to back 70cm kahawai on my first 2 casts, and another big one on my 4th cast. The fishing was unreal! I then decided to challenge myself by using my very light trout line and a softbait to try to catch a monster kahawai from the beach. On my 4th cast and only getting my line 5 metres o the beach, I hooked into a monster kahawai and found myself in a grueling 20-minute fight waist deep in the cold southern waters. I had to let the waves roll over me due to being completely outgunned by this fish and having no spare line left on my spool to play it out. By the time I had landed this fish, the workup had completely vanished, the birds chasing the bait fish into the dark blue waters of the horizon and the kahawai following suit. The 40 minutes of uncharacteristic and hectic fish activity I had just experienced left me with lots of amazing memories, and a big kahawai for the smoker!
Riverton
Located west of Invercargill, Riverton is a well known surfing destination due to the mix of both calm and rough conditions. The fishing I experienced around Riverton was pretty solid, and my mate Cam and I landed a lot of di erent species, including: rig, kahawai, school shark, dogfish, stingray, and even a seven-giller! We fished a few di erent beaches and found that surfing beaches
fish we caught were small rig, and we caught many of them due to rig being Estuary dwellers.
The fishing in the Estuary may not have been as productive as other spots, but the calmness and natural beauty and serenity of this spot is what made it enjoyable to fish.
Blu
Along with the additions of surfcasting o beaches, I still found myself tracing my steps back to the place where my love for fishing was forged, Blu Wharf. I loved the peace and serenity of certain beaches, however the by-catch of weed was a pain, and I found myself running back in hopes of some action at the busy Blu port. We mainly targeted blue cod with appearances from rig, dogfish, skate, and another decent seven-giller! After a 20-minute fight, the 1.6 m seven-giller was landed and was a great surprise to get o the wharf. Overall, the fishing in Blu throughout the summer was pretty solid.
of this spot was a trip where we caught a few big kahawai, a 50 kg stingray, and a 1.7 m seven-gill shark! I had always wanted to catch such a beast, and the realisation that it happened only built to my obsession of surfcasting even more.
New River Estuary
The majestic beauty of the New River Estuary made this spot one of the most aesthetic spots I’ve ever fished in. The paper flat waters stretched on for kilometres from the start of the Oreti River all the way down to Oreti Beach. This spot was my most fished spot throughout the summer, due to the stunning scenery and the layers of vegetation providing a shelter from the elements. I fished this spot with a few mates and through trial and error we uncovered the peak fishing tide along with the right spots to fish in. Due to the estuary being extremely tidal, it is important to find out the right tides to fish in and how far down the estuary to fish. The first time we fished there, we didn’t fish down enough, and we ended up fishing in the river and not the estuary. After doing research and figuring out the tides along with the right spot to fish at, we started catching fish! The main
In summary, surfcasting in Southland during the summer was pretty epic, with lots of species being caught. The most common fish we caught were rig, catching them quite frequently at di erent spots. There were frequent catches of kahawai and gurnard caught at specific spots, and the odd catch of school shark, dogfish, stingray and even seven-gillers!
Overall, I found that surfcasting was a great way to spend the summer, with many majestic spots being found, lots of fish being caught, and even more memories being made!
SWAROVSKI OPTIK expands its NL Pure series
With the new NL Pure 42 burnt orange, SWAROVSKI OPTIK presents an extraordinary version of its premium binoculars – for those who not only want to see the best but also want to experience nature with style and conviction
Since its introduction, the NL Pure has stood for brilliant optics, perfect ergonomics, and intense nature experiences. Now it is available in a new, confident colour: burnt orange – inspired by the colourful facets of nature.
“The NL Pure in burnt orange is a statement in terms of technological perfection and aesthetic design. Anyone who chooses these binoculars is making a conscious choice: the best field of view in its class, exceptional optical and mechanical precision, perfect ergonomics – and a colour that stands out without being overbearing,” explains Thomas Saller, spokesperson for the Executive Board of SWAROVSKI OPTIK.
Perfection in every respect
At the heart of the new model is the proven NL Pure 42 – the most powerful universal binocular in the SWAROVSKI OPTIK range. With its large field of view of up to 159 m, legendary SWAROVISION technology for crystal-clear images right to the edge, and ergonomically curved housing, it allows for hours of observation without fatigue. The perfect balance of the design
ensures that the binoculars fit naturally in your hand – a decisive advantage on long trips or in demanding observation situations.
The NL Pure 42 is available in 8x42, 10x42, and 12x42 magnifications– ideal for a wide range of applications, from demanding birding and wildlife observation to hunting. Burnt orange – showing the power of nature
4th Time and You're
Libby and I were up bright and early on a Saturday to load the bow-hunting gear into our truck, then on to pick up our hunting buddy Shawn.
While driving to the property we were hunting, we decided on our hunting strategy for the day ahead – a plan evolved - drop Shawn and Libby at the top of the hill, so they could stalk their way down, while I’d have a look around to see if there was anything up high. Afterwards I’d be o back down the track to pick them up at the bottom.
The new color variant of the NL Pure o ers more than just an aesthetic boost. Burnt orange is a powerful shade reminiscent of sunrises, fiery rocks, and the flickering of a campfire – moments when nature reveals its full energy. For many hunters, orange has long been a familiar companion – visible without being distracting, and functional in practice. With burnt orange, SWAROVSKI OPTIK now o ers nature observers a colour alternative that also makes a clear statement: for a conscious, selfdetermined approach to nature and equipment.
A new chapter: the Burnt Orange Collection
SWAROVSKI OPTIK is launching the new burnt orange collection with the NL Pure burnt orange. A carefully curated product line in which observation optics are available in the characteristic colour – for a consistent look that combines functionality and style. Every product in this line expresses the self-confidence of its wearer.
Mine
Ben Dick
After getting up to the designated spot Shawn and Libby sorted the best route down, then they were o . I did the same thing, uphill and on the hunt.
After checking a few gullies I found a couple of goats. I snuck in and put an arrow into a billy. He was down in mere seconds, and I was pretty chu ed.
Time then to head back to the truck, and, checking one last spot, I spied a black and tan boar cutting up out of the gully. I had a hunch where he
was heading so raced across to cut him o .
I slowly crept across to where I was hoping the boar would pop out and sure enough, he came sneaking into sight.
The boar was sni ng the ground, perhaps tracking a sow. He walked out to the road edge, stopped, then walked back into the bush. He did this three times, slowly working his way closer to me each time.
With an arrow nocked, and waiting on his next move, I could hear him sni ng. As I glanced over, I could see him sneaking through the bush, so I drew back
The Fishing Paper & Hunting News is proud to support this new monthly column from the Marlborough BowHunters and hopes that you will enjoy following the journey of this group of bowhunting enthusiasts
my bow and waited for him to pop out a fourth time.
Finally, the boar crept out, sni ng slowly along the ground as he had earlier – he was no more than 18 metres away as I put the pin on his shoulder. I let out a wee hind call and he stopped in his tracks. My arrow flew true, straight through the boar’s shoulder. He spun about and took o but too late – he was down and dying within 30 metres.
After retrieving my pig and taking a quick photo at the truck, I realised I had better head o to pick up the other two.
Murphy’s Law, neither of them had seen a thing. They’d both enjoyed their walk though – as had I !
Back Out at Last
That Kayak Fishing Chick - Yolande Jeffares
With the weather finally starting to settle a bit, now is a great time for us kayakers to be getting back out there and settling in before the fishing season heats up. Myself and another Dawnbreakers club member decided to do just that, and what a stunning day it was.
still tumbling down the hillside in some places helped to eliminate a few spots.
Being able to land a feed was definitely due to good luck rather than good management but with a month still to go before the start of the Dawnbreakers Fishing Clubs new season on October 1st, I am sure we
Thankfully wishful thinking had led me to complete numerous gear safety checks and reload most of my equipment between storms when the bay could have easily been renamed “the old muddy” because I am definitely out of practice when it comes to loading up and getting going. Only forgot my ice and tool to unhook fish, not bad. Trying to decide where to fish for the best chances of catching something was an odd experience but large rocks
can resolve that!
Starting early means improved paddle fitness and being able to refamiliarise ourselves with the area before the action really starts – it means battery and safety checks have a chance to become second nature once more and an opportunity to resolve issues with gear without losing a great catch. It also means the odd meal of fresh fish once more – this time it was gurnard.
The annual closed season for blue cod/rāwaru in the Marlborough Sounds has now been extended, to reduce fishing pressure on the highly popular fishery and support its sustainability.
The closed season now runs from 1 September to 10 January (inclusive) each year, which will alleviate fishing pressure while other sustainability measures are considered. This new date applies to current and future seasons in the Marlborough Sounds Area (see map). It applies to both recreational and commercial fishing.
Blue cod is a favourite for many fishers and this popularity, as well as other factors, has led to sustainability concerns for the Marlborough Sounds fishery.
In 2022, scientific information indicated overfishing is occurring,
especially in the inner Sounds. Commercial catch limits for the fish stock (BCO 7) were reduced and an advisory group, representing interests from across the community, was established to provide local expertise on further solutions. This advisory group has been instrumental in exploring ways to improve the health of the blue cod population in the Marlborough Sounds. The extended closed season received strong support during consultation late last year. Based on advisory group and public input, Fisheries New Zealand is also exploring wider factors a ecting Marlborough Sounds blue cod, including reduced spawning and survival of caught fish that are returned, and is aiming for further public consultation on additional measures later this year.
Updated educational material for recreational fishers about what they can do to help ensure sustainability in the fishery, such as avoiding blue cod during the closed season, and safely releasing blue cod to minimise risk of mortality, will be available ahead of summer. You can sign up to the recreationalfisheries@mpi.govt.nz mailing list to get updates on this.
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Marlborough Sounds Area , where the blue cod closed season applies
Stoked To Smoke Fires Up in Nelson/ Tasman
Nelson Marine Centre is excited to announce the launch of its brandnew sub-brand, Stoked To Smoke
Based at 23 McGlashen Avenue, Richmond, Stoked To Smoke is bringing a premium range of BBQs, smokers, pizza ovens and outdoor cooking accessories to the Nelson/ Tasman region.
Created for foodies and entertainers, Stoked To Smoke stocks leading brands such as
The best after work mental reset that I have found.
A fishing bow usually has no sight, it is intuitive shooting.
Some days I can’t miss and other days I can’t hit them, but I still head home smiling.
Traeger, Ooni, Smokai, Rum & Que and more, giving locals access to world-class products right on their doorstep.
“We’re stoked to be bringing a new perspective and passion to the region,” says Pete Walters, Managing Director & Owner.
“Outdoor cooking is all about connection… sharing epic food and good times. Stoked To Smoke is here to help people take that
It’s a great sport for all ages. I always have a spare bow in the ute for anyone I meet that wants to have a crack.
Here in the east Waikato we mostly chase koi carp and mullet.
Our rivers, streams and canals are filled with carp ( an introduced pest fish). You do not require a license but there are rules to abide to (refer doc website). Not always visible unless they are near the surface, as they churn the bottom and side up with their feeding habits.
Flooded paddocks are great fun to bow fish in. The water is usually quite clear and the fish are visible from
experience to the next level.”
To celebrate the launch, Stoked To Smoke will be hosting live demos with tastings, giving the community the chance to experience the products in action and discover what makes outdoor cooking so addictive. Stoked To Smoke operates alongside Nelson Marine Centre, o ering the same trusted level of service and expertise that locals have come to rely on.
a good distance away.
It is exciting watching a big orange submarine heading towards you while you are standing in the slow moving flood water halfway up your thighs.
Carp and mullet have great eye sight. They can pick you out, while standing still next to a tree or bush and they will turn away or dive deeper and swim past you then pop up near the surface again once out of bow range.
With an e-commerce store set to launch, customers will soon be able to shop online and have premium outdoor cooking gear delivered nationwide.
Stay tuned to Stoked To Smoke’s social media channels for upcoming events.
Smoke it. Grill it. Love it. Cook like a legend.
Snapper seem to readily take the carp bait.
Most of the fish I harvest are put in the freezer and given to anyone who wants to use them for bait.
My next mission is to use my burly net and fill it with mashed carp fillets and drop it o the rocks up the Thames coast to bow fish for some snapper.
Give it a go, it’s addictive.
Kelby Stewart
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If you haven’t taken delivery of your ute yet, we can still get to work. With just the make and model information, we can now digitally import the specifications and design the perfect canopy in consultation with you. Our advanced technology allows us to create a vivid image, o ering you a clear preview of the final result. We meticulously check
tolerances to ensure a seamless fit between the body and cab while optimising wheel travel. When your ute finally arrives, we can e ortlessly install the canopy, making your vehicle road-ready in no time.
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Wild food recipes with Marcus
Southern Bluefin Tuna (SBT) are highly desired by anglers and foodies around the globe, and here in NZ we’re smack bang in the middle of their migration around our deeper coastlines.
It’s only fair then that we should pay homage to this magnificent pelagic species.
This party platter with Southern Bluefin belly (the most flavoursome part of the fish) comes from the classic Mediterranean Nicoise Salad and is a guaranteed crowd pleaser.
Ingredients
Seared and sliced SBT
Red onion
New potatoes,small and cubed and fried Boiled eggs
Lettuce
Capers
Olives
Green beans
Tangy vinaigrette and /or a mayo Tamarind Chutney combo
Method
Cut the belly into steaks roughly 30mm thick and with the pan on hot and doused with a splash of olive oil rapidly sear both sides. You should have a nice pink centre.
On a large platter combine the selection of produce with the celebrated SBT taking centre stage. There are no limits so include whatever may be in your garden or any special delights from your local farmers market.
IPSC World Handgun Shoot
Cheers and Enjoy
Marcus
Int’l Kiwi Chef
Quite good with rod and gun
IPSC World Handgun Shoot is this month in South Africa
We have a team of 20 traveling over to do our best against the worlds best. IPSC is shot in 106 countries around the world.
The cool thing is that all those di erent countries come together to compete in a shooting sport that’s a real test in marksmanship and a race against the clock as much as against each other. The funny part is when some fool tries to say it’s not a real sport because it’s not in the Olympic or Commonwealth games, it’s done to try and discredit us, but as far as I know neither is Rugby Union, so let’s see them go along to an All Black match and tell people it’s not a sport. That would make interesting viewing.
There has been a lot of work and some serious money spent in getting ourselves ready for this trip and match.
For the majority of the team this is their first Worlds and for some even their first big overseas event. It’s going to be a bit of an eye opener; we get about 200 competitors at our Nationals but the Worlds have between 1600 and 1800 competing. The o cial opening has a walk in like the Olympics, it’s an honour to represent our country and to be
amongst the best in the world. Some competitors are professionals and all they do is shoot training or train others. For myself it’s a serious hobby bordering on an obsession if you asked my wife, or even most of my friends but they aren’t any
better so just don’t ask.
Each day we will be shooting 6 stages in 3 hours, over 6 days , so a total of 30 stages with a day o or lay day somewhere in the week. So we are going to be on the go.
This means our gear needs to work flawlessly, but that’s normal, as even
the smallest miss step is expensive and we will drop a lot of points and places.
A disqualification is final so a bit like a red card, the game is over, which means you just get to watch and all your scores up until then are gone. Because of this, gun handling is very important as well as knowing just how far you can push it, whilst still being in full control and total awareness of your position and angles as you travel through the course of fire.
There will be 36 di erent stages, the sizes di er from small under 13 and large up to 32. All of them are new and unseen, this provides all kinds of challenges. But that’s the fun part. We get 2 minutes to look through each stage first and then we have one go to get it right, no second chances, muck it up and tough luck, better luck on the next stage.
We are also shooting in 4 man teams so we need to work as a team because the 3 best scores will be added together for the team points. The open gun team will be shooting with the German team, so let the games begin.
Sustaining New Zealand's Marine Treasures; The
Vital Role of Recreational Fisheries Regulations and Compliance.
Industry correspondent Daryl Sykes reviews the importance of compliance with fishing rules following recent high profile prosecutions and penalties.
New Zealanders have long cherished their coastal waters as places of recreation, food gathering, and connection to the natural environment. Whether casting a line from a rocky reef, diving for pāua among kelp beds, or navigating the nations bountiful estuaries, recreational fishers form a significant part of our fishing community. With this privilege comes responsibility. Understanding and complying with New Zealand’s amateur fishing regulations is not merely about avoiding penalties - it is about safeguarding marine ecosystems and ensuring that fish and shellfish stocks thrive for generations to come.
Why Regulations Matter: The Foundation of Sustainable Fisheries New Zealand’s fisheries management framework is founded on sustainability principles enshrined in the Fisheries Act 1996. This legislation promotes the sustainable utilisation of fisheries resources, balancing ecological health with social and economic benefits. The framework employs a range of tools - from the quota management system (QMS) allocating catch shares among sectors, to size limits and area closures designed to protect vulnerable populations and ecosystems. For recreational fishers, regulations such as bag limits, minimum sizes, closed areas, and gear restrictions are designed to ensure that fishing pressure does not compromise stock health. These rules help maintain what scientists call maximum sustainable yield - the largest catch that can be taken without reducing future stock productivity. Failure to comply will create a risk of turning recreational fishing from a sustainable pastime into a driver of overfishing and biodiversity loss.
Key Rules Every Recreational Fisher Should Know
• Bag Limits and Daily Catch Caps: The daily catch limits for species like pāua and rock lobsters control the total amount harvested by amateur fishers. These limits help prevent localized depletion and allow stocks to replenish. For example, restricting cockle take
in Auckland to 50 per person preserves this shellfish for future seasons.
• Minimum Size Restrictions: Size limits (e.g., 54/60 tail width measure for rock lobsters) ensure fish have had the opportunity to mature and reproduce before being caught. Juvenile protection is a cornerstone of stock sustainability.
other measures like bag limits and closures to promote an ecosystembased approach to management that considers the broader marine environment rather than just target species.
Scientific Backing for Restrictions
New Zealand’s fisheries policies are grounded in scientific research. Research also demonstrates that banning or modifying certain gear
• Closed and Restricted Areas: Certain coastal zones are closed or have gear restrictions during breeding seasons or to protect habitats like nurseries. Other areas are closed to specific fishing methods (West Coast North Island Maui dolphin sanctuary).
• Gear and Method Restrictions: The use of destructive or non-selective gear such as explosives or set nets is prohibited or limited
• No Sale or Trade of Recreational Catch: Recreationally caught fish cannot be sold or exchanged, protecting the community from unsafe food processing, preserving commercial fisheries’ integrity and preventing unregulated exploitation.
How Restrictions Enhance Stock Sustainability
Restrictions on gear and tackle serve multiple purposes in promoting sustainable fisheries. Limiting or banning gear that causes excessive by-catch protects nontarget species and vulnerable life stages. For instance, set nets, while e ective for some fisheries, pose risks of dolphin and seal entanglements; restricting their use reduces unintended mortalities. Additionally, size limits on hooks, wands, ga s and net mesh sizes help avoid catch of undersized fish. These gear controls complement
fisheries provide cultural, social, and economic benefits to communities nationwide, and their loss would be deeply felt.
A Call for Responsible Fishing and Community Stewardship
As a member of New Zealand’s fishing community, recreational fishers are also stewards of the marine environment. By respecting bag and size limits, using approved
types can reduce habitat damage and mortality rates, contributing to stock recovery.
However, scientists stress that gear restrictions alone are not a panacea. Their e ectiveness depends on adequate enforcement, complementary spatial management, and ongoing adaptive strategies informed by continued monitoring. New Zealand’s Fisheries Act and Quota Management System incorporate these principles, mandating ecosystem considerations and periodic stock assessments.
The Bigger Picture: Navigating Change and Challenges
In 2025, New Zealand is engaged in an important period of fisheries reform with adjustments being made to various aspects of fisheries regulation. These aim to improve productivity and e ciency whilst maintaining good process and ensuring ecological protections remain robust. For recreational fishers, this means staying informed, being actively involved in the processes provided to them, and continuing to champion responsible fishing practices.
Public compliance and respect for fishing regulations are critical. Data show that discarding fish illegally and ignoring bag and size limits can severely impact fish populations.
For recreational fishers, compliance ensures not only legal safety but also the durability of New Zealand’s famed recreational fisheries. These
gear, observing area closures, and only keeping what is needed, fishers contribute directly to the conservation of marine life. Education and communication within fishing circles about regulations deepen understanding and compliance, helping prevent unintentional breaches. Reporting violations or concerns to authorities supports enforcement and sustainability goals.
Final Thoughts: Together Protecting a Shared Heritage
New Zealand’s recreational fishing regulations reflect years of scientific research, stakeholder consultation, and adaptive management to balance use and conservation. While fishing is a cherished right and pastime, it is inseparable from responsibilities to protect the environment.
Compliance with regulations is not a burden; it is an investment in the future—a way to ensure that this nation’s remarkable coastal fisheries remain abundant, vibrant, and accessible to all Kiwis today and tomorrow.
Let us all take pride in our role as guardians of New Zealand’s marine resources. By fishing responsibly and abiding by the rules, we become part of the solution, helping to maintain the sustainability and enjoyment of New Zealand’s fisheries for generations yet to come.
The Learning Curve Coastlines
I was messing about in the shed the other day and came across a very old Alpha Bakelite reel.
Immediately the memory banks took me back to where it all started, when the younger brother of my future brother in law, gave me the rod and reel, with sinking line and a short (very) length of leader. The rod had a wooden handle and was hollow copper, in two pieces, which screwed together.
Sadly I have no idea where that rod went to, but the reel was still sitting here to awake thoughts of times long gone. At that stage I had very little idea about the processes of angling, but there was an inbuilt interest and yearning to fish, so that was the first bit of kit, that I took on my early, but fruitless forays after fish. Any other boys I saw fishing would be thread lining, or sadly, even trying to foul hook any trout they could see. Such are the ways of some young lads.
However I persevered with the old fly rod and only came anywhere near a contact with a fish, when the fly sank to the bottom of a still pool and a 6 inch trout had a couple of nips at the rusty old brown fly. At 12 or 13 years of age I went with family and friends to walk the Milford Track and of course I wanted to take the rod. It was a three day tramp from Glade House alongside the Clinton River, over the McKinnon Pass and out to Sand-fly Point, where a boat arrived to take us to the Milford Hotel. It was a memorable trip on so many levels, which provided memories that have stayed with me across the decades.
The first evening at Glade House, after going up from Te Anau by launch, I wandered down to the river and onto the swing bridge over the Clinton, where I spotted a massive rainbow and there WERE big fish down there in the late 1950s. It was sitting midstream below the bridge, rising from time to time to take something o the surface, from among the floating beech leaves. Ah, it’ll be easy thought this young tyro, so I dropped a Mrs Simpson down to it, the fish rose, opened a cavernous mouth and was about to engulf the fly, when in my head I had a moment of enlightenment. Here I was, out from a high and very steep bank, on a swing-bridge, way above
the water, with only the fly-line and leader tied to the reel. All this went through my head in the space of a millisecond - isn’t the mind an amazing thing? I quickly took the fly right out of the big rainbow’s mouth.
The accompanying images of the alpha reel show it as a gnarly old relic, unsurprising as it would be around 80 years old. However it helped to begin my fishing journey - a thread that has been woven
throughout my life, so perhaps you’ll agree, its nice to still have such a memento.
Then I decided to get a threadline set up, in order to improve my prospects. Ten shillings and six pence (around $1.12) got the cane rod and another five shillings (50 cents) secured the reel from Woolworth’s in the High street, and with a little silver ‘ticer attached by a granny knot or two, it was
Ivan Wilson
time to nab one of the blighters. Nab one I did, in fact I managed 2 on the first successful trip, thus cementing a belief that spinning was the way to go. It certainly was, well for a start anyway, as over the first summer with the spinning rod, I regularly caught fish of a pound and a half, the following season the fish were all around 1 pound, year 3 they averaged only 3/4 of a pound, then the following year there was nothing worth taking. A summary lesson in conserving fish stocks. The other learning that came out of that period was that treble hooks made it di cult to release small fish. Taking one of the hooks o was helpful, but soon a change was made to singles only. These days I have a strong dislike of trebles, especially those lures with 2 sets (I won’t name the brands, you’ll know the ones)
The next stage of fishing was to go back to the fly rod and after a lot of reading, asking questions and watching other anglers, I took my new, cheap cane fly-rod out onto the lawn to get to grips with the art of the cast.
Soon after that, one day after school, I was alongside a stream and with a little help from the current, a Mrs Simpson yellow was put out and slowly retrieved, when to my surprise a fish was quietly finning right behind it. The stocks had improved after our earlier thread-line rampages with treble hooks, and eventually a nice pound and a half specimen became my first fish on a fly. That was a streamer, so next was a dry fly and not too long after that, I was back streamside, where I spotted a bit of surface movement and I thought it might be a trout, so I managed to make a cast, putting the cochybondhu dry a little above where I thought the fish might be. Long story short, it rose to my fly and another milestone was reached. This young fellow now thought he knew about fishing but there was more to come, so much more. I was introduced to nymphs by a young bloke up the road and another chap taught me something of wet flies.
The learning curve takes you on a long journey and thankfully it’s still going on. Just had another memory - that wonderful old telly ad’ for those chocolate bars. “Life’s a whole long journey boys - - - - “ When it comes to the crunch, you never stop learning do you?
Island Bay Bait House: A Living Testament to Fishing
Heritage and Community in Wellington
Nestled on the picturesque south coast of Wellington’s Island Bay, a modest building known as the Island Bay Bait House holds a remarkable place in New Zealand’s fishing and marine education heritage. More than just a structure, it embodies generations of fisherfolk, community spirit, and the evolving relationship between people and the sea.
A Hub Born from Fishing Traditions
Constructed around 1950, the Bait House originally served as a critical facility where local fishermen, predominantly from immigrant Italian families, stored bait before venturing out into the often-challenging Cook Strait waters. This practical role anchored it deeply in the rhythms of daily fishing life. For decades, it was the heartbeat of Island Bay’s vibrant fishing community, supporting livelihoods and fostering a tightknit social fabric rooted in shared experience, skill, and cultural pride. The Italian fishermen brought with them centuries-old Mediterranean fishing traditions, which blended uniquely with local and Shetland fishing methods, shaping a distinctive maritime culture. The Bait House was their gathering place - where equipment was prepared, stories exchanged, and community bonds strengthened. It stands as a rare tangible reminder of these immigrant families’ pivotal role in Wellington’s coastal development. From Industrial Roots to Marine Education
The site itself traces an industrial legacy back to the late 1940s, when the Glaxo Company operated a shark liver oil refinery close by, processing raw materials supplied by fishermen nationwide. By the 1960s, Victoria University of Wellington had established a marine laboratory on that site, initiating a scientific dimension to this coastal precinct.
In 1996, a transformative chapter began when the derelict bait shed was reborn as the Island Bay Marine Education Centrepopularly known today as the Bait House Aquarium. It now serves as a vibrant educational hub, welcoming over 25,000 visitors annually, from school children to tourists. The Centre brings the marine environment to life through live habitat displays, touch pools, snorkeling opportunities in the adjacent Taputeranga Marine Reserve, and community-driven research initiatives.
This evolution from industrial and
fishing support facility to a beacon of marine awareness exemplifies the enduring cultural and environmental significance of the Bait House.
More Than a Building – A Living Community Symbol
For Island Bay residents and the wider Wellington community, the Bait House is a cornerstone of identity and heritage. It preserves the memory of generations of fishermen who shaped the suburb’s character and economy. The Centre’s programs actively connect young people and visitors with the local marine ecosystem, reinforcing stewardship values embedded in
strengthening, and concerns about flooding and storm surges exacerbate its risk profile. The possibility of demolition has sparked strong community opposition, manifesting in public petitions and calls to preserve the Bait House as a vital part of Island Bay’s cultural fabric.
Losing the Bait House would mean more than the disappearance of an old building. It would sever a living link to a unique fishing heritage, erase a hub of community education and marine stewardship, and diminish the heritage landscape that fosters local pride and identity.
contemporary conservation.
• Support community cohesion by o ering a shared space for cultural events, storytelling, and engagement with marine ecosystems.
• Inspire future generations to respect and sustainably manage marine resources through hands-on learning. The Island Bay Bait house is much more than a physical structure; it stands as a beacon of the enduring relationship between people and the sea, fishing heritage, and community resilience. For those engaged in fisheries - whether as practitioners, educators, or
fishing traditions.
The building’s distinctive facade and location beside the water are daily reminders of the intimate bond between humans and the sea in this part of New Zealand. It stands in symbolic continuity with the annual Blessing of the Boats ceremony - a tradition dating back to 1933 and sustained by the descendants of the original fishermen.
The Risk of Losing a Cultural Treasure
The future of this treasured site is, however, uncertain. The Wellington City Council has included the Bait House in its draft coastal reserves management plan, which considers various options over the next five to seven years to address coastal erosion, sea level rise, and earthquake vulnerability.
The building is currently classified as requiring earthquake
Preserving Heritage, Inspiring Stewardship
Keeping the Bait House alive promises continued opportunities to:
• Honour the legacy of immigrant fishing communities that shaped Wellington’s coastal identity.
• Provide immersive marine education that intertwines cultural heritage with
advocates - its preservation o ers a rare chance to maintain a vital cultural asset that bridges past traditions with future sustainability. As the Wellington community and city council weigh decisions about this historic building, the call to protect it resonates beyond Island Bay, reminding us all of the profound value embedded in places where culture, community, and marine life converge.
Nine Lives of a Soldier & Sailor memoir of War, Sea and Survival
I love non-fiction books, especially those that immediately attract me to take them from the library, the bookshop shelf or someone else’s home. Even more so if they are supported by photographs, maps, and graphics.
Facts beat fiction in my literary world. When I read the promotional media release tucked into the front of this bookI had the feeling I was on to a winner. And I was right!! Now I realise the title should have been “a sailor & soldier”( in that order ) plus a few more &’s, as Kelvin’s story goes way beyond those two early spheres of influence by later becoming a “diver & entrepreneur” as well as “husband and father”.
His perceptive and humble and caring attitude, always wanting the best for every situation for all those around him.
As a young medic in the NZ Navy with a trip to Antarctica included , then into the midst of the Vietnam War as a medic at 23 years of age , we watch the boy become the man. A large portion of the book gives
Traditionally, the scallop season opens on 1 September each year, but for many areas around the country scallops remain o the menu.
Declining scallop numbers across New Zealand’s main scallop fisheries led to full closures to help these fisheries rebuild says Fisheries New Zealand’s Director of Fisheries Management, Emma Taylor.
“The Northland, Hauraki Gulf, Coromandel and Bay of Plenty scallop fisheries have been fully closed to recreational and commercial fishing since 2022. The Kaipara harbour fishery has been closed since 2018, and the Nelson/ Marlborough fishery has been closed since 2017.
“Scallops are an important shared fishery, highly valued by tangata whenua as well as recreational and commercial fishers. They are also an important part of the marine ecosystem.
“One of the ways we monitor these fisheries is through scientific surveys. Results are then compared against previous surveys to build a picture of how the fishery is responding without fishing
Kelvin Davis
Book Review Poppa Whittall
detailed insights into the horrors of the Vietnam period much of which has long remained unknown by the wider world. Dramatic reading.
Fantail Publications have made an excellent job of producing this man’s life story - well spaced print layout on each page, several coloured photographs and a fitting, emotional Epilogue titled “I Have One Regret” that has been with him for the past 40 years.
Once you get your hands on your copy get yourself o to bed early and prepare for a great read where you won’t be able to put this book down.
Well done Kelvin and Fantail Communications.
pressure, and this helps with ongoing management.
Last year, Fisheries New Zealand commissioned NIWA (now Earth Sciences New Zealand) to undertake further surveys at sites across some of the main northern (lower Northland and Coromandel) scallop beds.
“The aim was to provide comparable data to previous surveys, to check in and see how these key scallop beds had responded to the closures,” Emma Taylor says.
While not all areas were surveyed, the results from the surveyed
scallop beds showed an overall decline in scallops, with only areas of Whitianga/Mercury Island and Whangarei Harbour showing an increase.
“Longer protections through temporary closures and restrictions could have supported the improvement in Whitianga, however levels are still lower than they have been in the past and could not support reopening the fishery.
“We know scallops need high density beds to help the population grow, and there’s often some overlap with neighbouring scallop beds that are an important source of
spat (young scallops). The continued closures will give these scallops the best opportunity to recover.
Further research is being undertaken by Earth Sciences NZ as part of our ongoing monitoring of the fishery.
“We’re also working with treaty partners and stakeholders to develop a future management strategy for scallop fisheries in the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park, which could be applied to other areas. It is clear that new and improved thinking is needed to work towards having scallops back on the menu for New Zealanders.
“In the meantime, these scallop fisheries remain closed and our Fishery O cers will continue to patrol the areas,” Emma Taylor says.
For more information about closures and restrictions, including maps, see the MPI website or download the NZ Fishing Rules App (https://www.mpi.govt.nz/ rules).
If you see any suspected illegal fishing activity report it to 0800
4 POACHER (0800 47 62 24) or email poacher@mpi.govt.nz
A number of fishers could face prosecution or large fines after being caught with too much or undersize shellfish, over the last couple of months
“The rules are there for a reason – to protect our shared fisheries and keep them sustainable into the future. There are consequences for people who ignore these rules and help themselves to valuable taonga species. For some it will hurt their wallet or in serious cases they may appear before court,” says Fisheries New Zealand District Manager, Jodie Cole.
A Whitianga Fishery O cer caught three divers with more
than 60 pāua that were undersize, taken from the Sailors Grave area.
Furthermore, Fishery O cers caught another diver with 13 undersize pāua and an undersized crayfish in that area.
In Waikato, Fishery O cers patrolling at night caught some fishers with undersize pāua taken from the Marakopa/Kiritehere area. One person had 19 undersize pāua, two others had 37 and another
had seven – all undersize. One other person who had their catch inspected had 43 undersize pāua.
Fisheries New Zealand encourages people to report suspected illegal activity through the ministry’s 0800 4 POACHER number (0800 47 62 24)
For further information and general enquiries, call MPI on 0800 00 83 33 or email info@ mpi.govt.nz
In the Tauranga area, Fishery O cers patrolling through to Onemana caught two people with 41 undersize pāua at nighttime. And late in June Fishery O cers sna ed two divers in the Mount Maunganui area with 32 undersize pāua they had stashed in a toilet block area.
“Most fishers go out there wanting to do the right thing and follow the rules. For those who don’t the message is clear, we are out on patrol and won’t hesitate to take action to protect our fisheries.”
The best way to stay on top of the rules for the area you’re fishing or gathering shellfish is to download the free NZ Fishing Rules mobile app. It will give you the latest rules, including catch size and limits which do vary from region to region,” says Jodie Cole.
