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A postponed North Rodney Blue Light fishing programme finally went ahead last month, giving a group of local young people the chance to learn fishing skills and water safety while spending a day on the water.
Fourteen young people aged 11 to 13 from Wellsford and Tomarata schools took part in the free two-day school holiday programme.
Organised by North Rodney Blue Light and the Rodney Community team, the programme was made possible through funding from the Rodney Local Board, along with extensive community and volunteer support.
Participants spent a day aboard the Marsden Cove charter vessel Nimble II, where ideal conditions meant every aspiring angler caught a fish to take home.
As well as learning practical fishing skills such as knot tying, hook-sinker tying, and surf casting, participants were taught essential water safety.
Coastguard Mangawhai gave the group a tour of the Mangawhai Estuary, including a look at the Mangawhai Harbour Restoration Society’s dredging operation, while explaining the purpose of marine markers and navigation buoys.
The programme was led by branch co-ordinator Shane Gould and supported by volunteers from Coastguard Mangawhai, a local MPI Fisheries officer, members of the Mangawhai Boating and Fishing Club, fishing writer, Mangawhai Focus columnist and tour guide, Grant Dixon, Blue Light volunteers, and the Wellsford Rapid Response Team.
Additional support came from Julie Scott, manager of Campbell Park, who provided lunches. Wellsford Rapid Response Team supplied snack packs and water. Black Magic Tackle and Mangawhai Dive and Fish donated fishing gear, and Mangawhai Beach School made its minibus available for transport.
Gould thanked the many organisations and volunteers whose ongoing support made the programme possible.
“The continued support from our community partners and volunteers allows us to give local young people a safe, educational, and memorable experience while learning practical fishing skills, marine safety, and respect for our environment. We couldn’t do it without them.”
Parents also praised the initiative, with one mother saying her son and his friend described the trip as “incredible” and had not stopped talking about it since.
The Rodney Community team says the programme highlights the value of community partnerships in giving local rangatahi opportunities to develop practical skills and confidence on the water.
Blue Light, which celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2023, has grown well beyond the discos it was once best known for. The organisation now delivers a wide range of programmes designed to help young people build confidence, practical life skills and positive connections with their communities.
For people interested in being a part of a future programme, contact Kiri Eriwata by email at kiri@rodneycommunity.org.nz
