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The Hibiscus Coast Boating Club has been established for more than 40 years.
According to society records, the club first convened in May 1977 and Coastguard records show that they had an alliance with the club in 1978 when a search and rescue facility was part of the club’s lease.
The Hibiscus Coastguard still sits alongside the boating club, at Stanmore Bay, which provides an integrated relationship between members and the rescue facilities allowing the club to promote and endorse the rescue service.
Club Commodore Nicola Bullock says the boating club is a family club with a special emphasis on juniors, encouraging them to learn about the environment and to fish responsibly to maintain future stock.
“Our monthly fishing competitions are extremely popular and one of the highlights of the month,” she says. “Young and old anglers are encouraged to compete for sponsored prizes, and the kids, in particular, enjoy the competitive nature of the comps and the rewards.
“We also have a full working kitchen and bar facility which is available to hire for both members and the general public.”
A dedicated committee of volunteers runs the club and their aim is to provide a family-orientated environment, which promotes safe boating, fishing and social activities.
Nicola says the committee is currently working on expanding its footprint and moving the fishing weigh-in area.
“When the work is finished, it will accommodate more people to enjoy the spectacle of the weigh in.”
Like most voluntary organisations, the boating club is fortunate to have some major sponsors such as Carpetlink Whangaparoa, New World Whangaparaoa and Golden Contracting.
“Without our sponsors we wouldn’t be able to provide the activities that we do such as the two-hour classic fishing, monthly fishing competitions, and quarterly sponsored educational seminars.
“We are also lucky to have had some long-term members whose dedication and support have allowed the club to become what it is today. Norm Hatwell has maintained and looked after our tractors ensuring they are available at all times for over 15 years and his wife, Ann, has also contributed in various roles and still works tirelessly for the club today.”
The boating club location in Stanmore Bay provides members with easy launching and retrieving of boats ensuring no damage to vehicles.
“Having the boating club in our local community provides a place for all boating and fishing enthusiasts to meet and socialise.
“It also provides a medium to teach and ensure safety and protection at sea, and protection of our beautiful marine environment.”
Club nights are held on Fridays, from 4pm till late, and anyone from the community is welcome. “So why not come on down, try out the food in our restaurant and see what we are all about? Children are welcome and we have a safe kids playground.”
How can you help?
Get involved. The club depends on it volunteers to fundraise, run competitions and manage the facilities. The club is located at Stanmore Bay Reserve, 162 Brightside Road, and is open from 4pm onwards, Wednesdays to Sunday. Info: hibiscuscoastboatclub.co.nz
