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Confessions of a Commercial Fisher By Graham Carter and Rhys Smith
The commercial fishing industry is in a very interesting time at the moment. They are in a state of panic as their PR machine steps up to portray a different picture. We are still shocked at the total interbred bloody-minded commercial fishers who have total disregard and for not taking any form of responsibility on the state of the NZ fishery. As Facebook becomes a never ending platform for recreational fishers to air their views on the commercial fishing industry we see disgruntled commercial fishers entering the banter in an aborted attempt to defend themselves. What happened to the Maui Dolphin? They were caught by commercial fisher’s. They are well aware when and by whom. Yet according to social media, a place where honest, sometimes heated and personal attacks that resemble that of Canadian Ice Hockey players, the commercial fishers are still in complete denial. A facebook post states that “we will kill every single one of them, so we can get our restricted areas back!” Is that the attitude of a commercial fisher that fishes sustainably? The recreational fishers and Green Peace are not even close to believing this rubbish from the commercial fishers. That is because these two lobby groups have the evidence and the numbers. Yet the industry and MPI continue to condone the killings. The question is why condone it when the commercial deny its happening? Because the MPI know it does, they have the evidence and choose to do little to stop it. But the truth is revealed as a MPI confesses that there were
700 Maui in 1978 and 55/65 now. So where did they go? We now see documents that indicate the MPI are now allowed for 145 Hectors Dolphin to be commercially killed. This is the new acceptable number when it should be zero. The Trident Cameras Systems have been an utter abomination as a means of enforcing compliance in the industry. How embarrassing is it for the MPI to have to confess that they had for one reason or another lost 80% of the footage. Does this mean that the footage was so damning to the industry that they had to deliberately lose it as a coverup. Somebody must have viewed it for this to happen? It would be interesting to see if the remaining footage has been tampered with! This happened just after Martin Dunne the Director-General of MPI had to confess on TV that the fishery side of MPI has made floored decisions, forced upon him by the Heron report. Poor Martin Dunne who came from a leadership role in some of the best ‘Special Forces Soldiers’ in the world, to trying to lead the undisciplined, unskilled party clowns employed by the MPI. Out of respect we will send him a face cloth and some soap to wash the egg off his face with, because it’s not a good look. It’s not a good look nationally or internationally as this level of incompetence in being viewed on the international stage. The observer programme is shocking to say the least, let’s hope they can save a shred of integrity for the commercial fishers and MPI. We have a quote from a commercial fisher on the ‘Ban Commercial Inshore Fishing’ Facebook page or
you could call it another confession: “we had observers on our boat and at least half the fish still get kicked over the side. So MPI don’t care at all. Not the trawlers fault either when you consider they have to pay someone to bring the fish back to land. Quota system not a good one.” The thing is he is dead right. The MPI don’t care they pay lip service to enforcement. The next little gem relates to the new ‘Tiaki’ wonder net. I refer to the PSH system of harvesting the fish alive and throwing back all the unwanted and undersize fish to live another day. Now that sounds really great and the industry received an innovation award for it, even though it was still in the trial stages. What the public don’t know is that they also have an ‘offal discharge system’ which operates through hull on the fishing boat. This allows the fishermen to high-grade and place unwanted bi-catch through this mincer. Even worse is the fact that Nathan Guy the minister approves of this cutter on the new boats. This is strange, for a boat that is so amazing and is meant to return unwanted fish to the sea alive, the whole purpose of this new fishing method. Oh dear! we have another confession that lets us in on the commercial fishers secret use for these cutters. Another confession on Facebook: “I worked on a sixty metre factory trawler in the southern ocean that had a sump cutter pumps installed dealing with unwanted fish (a very small part of the total catch) and offal for as long as I can remember, over 15 years I think”
This is a diagram of the new offal cutters fitted on all new commercial fishing vessels, fishing our inshore fishery, which can process up to five tonnes of fish out of sight, out of mind. You can only imagine the opportunities that this machine can provide for commercial fishers to be able to dump even more unwanted fish. Carl Carrington CEO of Moana NZ says “They will be able to dump all low value fish, down a shoot through the grinder. There will be no free lunches for the birds.” Again the commercial PR machine in full swing to cover the decimation. They will be able to promote this world leading initiative as an attempt to show they care for the sea birds! To compare the Southern Ocean
fishery to the inshore fishery of the Bay of Plenty is a bit ridiculous. Surely the people of the Bay of Plenty would want to stop this monster of a fish-killing beast hauling and munching up there local recreational fishery. No, because they have been sucked in by the PR machine of the commercial investors that say the ‘offal discharge system’ is for bird protection. If the cameras aren’t able show the dumping because they don’t work, or any damaging footage is lost and the observers are related to the three wise monkeys, hear no evil, see no evil, do no evil and forget to write it down, the Tauranga fishery will collapse entirely. The race is on for the commercial fishery to kill every fish they can before the next election because
their mate John Key has had a guts full of being embarrassed by the industry when he is overseas, with more photos of dead Dolphin. He warned the commercial fishers at their own conference that they would have to get used to fishing in less water space. This is ironic from our ponytail pulling friend because he is the one who gave the commercial fishery the green light to pillage our fishery, when he gave the commercial fishers the mandate to double the export value of the fishery by 2025. Why?, because like all other politicians that don’t give a hoot it is a free product ready to be plucked by white collar elitist like him.
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Camping: Getting away from it all
Editor Graham Carter mail@fishingoutdoors.co.nz 021 02600437 Graphics: Astro Creative Photography: Sandi Tuan Regular Writers: Graham Carter James Speedy Ben Hope Frank Henry Dick Featherstone Tony Orman Rhys Smith John McNab Fishing and Outdoors is published by Ashwood Grove Ltd. All editorial copy and photographs are subject to copyright and may not be reproduced without prior written permission of the publisher. Opinions or comments expressed within this publication are not necessarily those of the contributors, editor, staff and management or directors of Ashwood Grove Ltd. ISSN 1179-5034 Unsolicitored editorial, letters, photographs will only be returned if you include a stamped, self addressed envelope. www.fishingoutdoors.org Copyright © 2011 Fishing Outdoors Newspaper, All Rights Reserved. Visit us on Facebook www.facebook.com/Fishingoutdoors
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With the camping season right around the corner many kiwis are preparing their equipment for the Christmas holidays from the quirky old caravans to smart new tents as we strive to get back to nature. Many camping locations have limited power which for many is what camping is all about. Camping is our New Zealand thing. Many of us have our favourite campgrounds or places which we
go back to time and time again, we make life-long acquaintances and the family memories it creates. Camping offers us the opportunity to celebrate the beauty and diversity of our New Zealand outdoors, beaches, rivers, national parks and secret places. We’re spoilt rotten. Then we have the mod cons that we get as Christmas presents to test and try out. One such suggestion is the famous UFO Ultimate Cooker.
The UFO Ultimate can be used as a hangi, roaster, steamer, smoker, baker and BBQ. It is the ideal piece of camping equipment. The principle is based on a stainless steel food oven heated by a twin ring gas burner which is situated beneath the cooker on a heat deflecting stand. It is ideal for roasting or smoking your meat without the use of a conventional oven! Every time, the meats turn out tender, flavoursome and delicious! There is a raised column on the bottom of the cooker allowing heat to rise from the burner giving an easy dry heat of 180 degrees for roasting. It has the additional item of a cup that fits over the column, when you place this cup over the column; you simply add water in the bottom to enable the UFO Ultimate to steam. There are two stainless steel baskets inside the UFO Ultimate which will cook 25 main meals. They can be laden with food for roasting, steaming or smoking. Water and/or smoking dust can be added to the base of the cooker depending on the required flavour. The cooker can be turned over; the cast iron base plate becomes the hot plate to form a portable and fantastic little BBQ. The UFO Ultimate Cooker captures the essence of traditional New Zealand cooking in a more modern and less stressful manner. We even recommend smoking your roast! Simply hang your meat from the hooks provided, seal them on with the disc and clip, and replace the lid to produce succulent, easy and popular roast meal anywhere! Made from high quality stainless steel, coming complete with AGA approved gas hose, regulator and twin-ring burner; cast iron hotplate; stainless steel temperature gauge; 2 x stainless steel baskets; 2 x stainless steel lift handles, 4 x stainless steel smoking hooks. Flip the Ultimate upside down and it becomes a BBQ!
Getting a Hairdryer Through Customs An attractive young woman on a flight from Ireland asked the Priest beside her, ‘Father, may I ask a favour?’ ‘Of course child. What may I do for you?’ ‘Well, I bought my mother an expensive hair dryer for her birthday. It is unopened but well over the Customs limits and I’m afraid they’ll confiscate it. Is there any way you could carry it through customs for me? Hide it under your robes perhaps?’ ‘I would love to help you, dear, but I must warn you, I will not lie.’ ‘With your honest face, Father, no one will question you.’ When they got to Customs, she let the priest go first. The official asked, ‘Father, do you have anything to declare?’ ‘From the top of my head down to my waist I have nothing to declare.’ The official thought this answer strange, so asked, ‘And what do you have to declare from your waist to the floor?’ ‘I have a marvellous instrument designed to be used on a woman, but which is, to date, unused.’ Roaring with laughter, the official said, ‘Go ahead, Father. Next please
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Disabled fishing
Anyone with a disability should be able to go fishing if they want to. Whether it’s loss of limb function or mobility any handicap can be offset by adaptive fishing equipment and techniques. There are plenty of avenues to go down and any amount of willing helpers. Already we see a raft of inventions that have been designed specifically with this in mind using standard fishing gear. To have the ability to strike, play, fight, land and enjoy fishing as if they had full use of both arms or hands. Many folks that have had a stroke and loss the full use of one side of
anglers and acted accordingly. Salty Towers Bait and Tackle Shop on Tiki Road sell fresh Coromandel mussels. their body have fished You can guarantee that when you again and been totally call into see Hank he will ask you re-immersed in the sport. where you’re going and offer some Folks that for one rea- free advice on where to go to catch son or another that don’t a feed and how to use the bait. have full use of both arms Some places fish well in the mornthat would like to fish ing or afternoon than others but again maybe they are re- he wants the fishos to get their stricted to a wheelchair share of the abundance of Hauraki but anything is possible. Gulf snapper. It’s good for CoroBryce Dineen him- mandel and good for the fishos. self a disability mad Salty Towers offer a fish filleting keen fisho founded service and for those who enjoy the Wish for Fish Trust to encour- smoked fish this can be done and age and assist physically disabled the bounty couriered when done or people to get out on the wa- you can pick it up the next day, along ter again. There are no excuses. with any bait and tackle supplies. When dealing with the out- Coromandel Fishing Charters are doors, your gear is critical taking bookings for small and mefor your success or failure. dium sized groups to fill up each Enter the Electric Reel! Anybody us- charter so if you have a couple ing one of these devices without a of mates but are a few short of a disability should be horse-whipped. boat load don’t worry just give Imagine what something like Tom and call and he’ll help you out. this could do for your loved Coromandel Fishing Charters ofone who is disabled or handi- fer more than a fishing expericapped whether young or old ence as there is a lot more to the that has a passion to go fishing? Hauraki Gulf than people imagine. To put a powered, mechanized To Book your Charter or Christreel to make it take in the line at mas function call Tom or Lorthe touch of a button turns impos- raine on 027 8668001, or sible into reality for disabled folk. email: corofishing@gmail.com Coromandel Fishing Charters have gone a step further than many charter operators. They have tailor made their charter boats to suit disabled fishers, with supreme access and plenty of room to manoeuvre. The skippers and crew have taken the time to learn the needs of disabled
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DISGRACEFUL BEHAVIOUR MPI - the spread of ignorance In 2014 the MPI prosecuted a controversial South Korean fishing boat. The Oyang 75, a 68-metre stern trawler worth about $9 million was involved in fisheries and environmental offences. The owners were found guilty of the largest case of fish dumping prosecuted in New Zealand, with the finding at the hearing that 355 tonnes of fish had been discarded. The South Korean officers were fined more than $420,000 for trawling activities described in court as “arrogant” and “incompetent”. The trawler was originally arrested in 2012 and officers were accused of dumping lowvalue catch to replace it with fish that was more worthwhile. The Oyang 75 owners were heav-
ily fined for dumping waste at sea after inspectors found the boat had hidden piping controlled by a secret switch that allowed it to secretly dump bilge waste, including oil, into the sea unnoticed. Now we have found that the latest addition to the New Zealand commercial fishing fleet has the capability to do exactly the same. Moana New Zealand recently announced a $30 million fleet renewal programme. Moana is to help those companies buy the new “technologically advanced” boats, specially designed 24 metre inshore trawlers. The boat’s special features included modern fuel efficiency systems and world-leading trawling gear specially designed to minimize environmental impacts.
It also featured advanced seabird protection measures, including a new offal discharge system on board which would be suitable for mincing all bi-catch and unwanted species to be discharged below the water. This would completely absolve the fishing companies from declaring bycatch as there wouldn’t be any and there is no camera monitoring system to ensure this doesn’t occur. Especially since Newshub released camera footage showing commercial fishers blatantly flouting the law, and this new device only adds more concern. The most significant thing about this boat is that it is geared up for precision seafood harvesting, and this wonder net works best in 20 metres of water.
Future of our Fisheries discussion document released Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy is encouraging people to have their say on new proposals to modernize and future-proof New Zealand’s fisheries management system. When I read this I couldn’t control myself from laughing. Once again the Minister has his head in the clouds. Advocacy groups including this newspaper have been making submissions to the MPI and Nathan Guy for the last 4-5 years and diddily squat has been done. We know what has to be done to future proof the inshore fishery – it’s really very simple. BAN BULK HARVESTERS FROM
FISHING FOR EXPORT INSIDE 12NM. If Nathan Guy is that thick that he doesn’t understand what this means then he should step down as he is not fit for the job. His reference in the Fisheries Act (which he is likely to change at whim, to suit his and the industries needs) is pretty simple: He must take into account customary, recreational fishing interests first ….. then commercial. He is not doing this! He is ignoring every single recreational submission and input. He is required under the act to consult and does nothing whatsoever after this. This proposal is just
another red herring to delay any changes leading up to the elections when National MUST be ‘trumped’. He has seconded Graeme Sinclair as the recreational representative – who elected him; damn sure it wasn’t any recreational fishing group, as he is paid through his biased TV videos and supported by the commercial industry. A clear conflict of interest. Nathan Guy must think every single recreational fisher is an absolute imbecile. Anyone that believes this PR rubbish deserves what the minister will dish out. No change to anything. What an absolute joke.
How do scientists, government bureaucrats and companies with vested interests in our inshore fishery spread such ignorance and obfuscate knowledge? There is a term which defines this phenomenon, Agnotology. Agnotology is the study of wilful acts to spread confusion and deceit, usually to sell a product or win favour. It comes from agnosis, the neoclassical Greek word for ignorance or ‘not knowing’, and ontology, the branch of metaphysics which deals with the nature of being. Agnotology is the study of wilful acts to spread confusion and deceit, usually to sell a product or win favour. The Fisheries Management division of the Ministry for Primary Industries, the Commercial Fishing Industry and the NZ Seafood Industry, use unethical tactics to counter “anti-commercial fishing forces.” Creating doubt is the product they adopt since it is the best means of competing with the ‘body of fact’ that exists in the mind of the general public. It is also the means of establishing controversy.” They have a combined resource in the PR machine that is capable of writing some of the biggest baloney since Churchill started spreading rumours during the Second World War. Official Information Requests have revealed that they know exactly what the state of the fishery around NZ is in. They know exactly what the plight of the dolphins is. But in their deluded attempts to hide these facts and to have the public believe that the Quota Management system in a
world class plan, they forget one thing, and that is that their combined baloney will be revealed. These revelations piqued the interest of this newspaper, and we started delving into the practices of the MPI and Fishing Companies and how they had spread confusion about the health of the inshore fishery. The tactics used by MPI, NZ Seafood Industry and the Fishing Companies to obscure the facts around the health of the fishery and covering up the many misdemeanors of the fishers themselves. We found that the MPI and the fishing industry did not want consumers to know the damage they did when harvesting our ‘wild fish’ and that most high value fish was exported and export reject was tasked for local trade, and it spent billions obscuring the facts . In the secret world of science, our researchers are told quite emphatically what they will discover, find and analyze. They are given the outcome and are almost blackmailed into fitting the science to the answer. Threats of funding cuts or unemployment are the usual practice. Ignorance is not just the not-yetknown, it’s also a political ploy, a deliberate creation by powerful agents who want you ‘not to know’. Controlling the dialogue, deliberate manipulation of data, dismissing concerns, all these and more are becoming a familiar story. The language is the same; the ‘handling’ of the public is familiar, but really just bowing before the budget.... Ignorance can often be propagated under the guise of balanced
debate. For example, the common idea that there will always be two opposing views does not always result in a rational conclusion. This is behind how the fishing industry and the MPI use science to make their methods and science acceptable, and to argue against the scientific evidence. Ignorance spreads when many people do not understand a concept or fact and when special interest groups – like the ‘Ban Commercial Fishing Facebook Page’ that work hard to create confusion about an issue because of the lack of knowledge by page administrators. They think they are doing a terrific job when the opposite is true, fueled by the knowledge of their mentors. A scientifically illiterate society will probably be more susceptible to the tactics used by those wishing to confuse and cloud the truth. So while some smart people will profit from all the information now just a click away, many will be misled into a false sense of expertise. Nothing absolutely nothing which is stated by the Fishing Companies, the NZ Seafood Industry or the MPI can be believed. They have used up their combined ability to promote their failed industry practices as sustainable fishing. When our foreign markets understand the depth that the fishing industry in New Zealand has fallen to they will make the right choices and it’s the industries own fault as their deception is about to be revealed big time.
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Tourist Angler Invasion by James Speedy
A group of lower South Island trout fishermen are standing up the increasing problem of an invasion of overseas anglers causing stress on prime trout rivers. David Linklater of Southland said a group has been formed in Otago to try and protect New Zealand’s trout angling from the pressure which now had reached crisis point. “It’s rampant tourism and commercialization. I am sure our forefathers never meant it to be the way it is,” he said. A recent article by Nelson guide Nick King on “New era fishery management” in the November “Fish and Game” magazine was the catalyst. “We have decided to promote his four step plan hierarchy, as a new management plan,” explained David Linklater. Priorities would be in the order of 1, the Fishery, 2, Citizens and Residents of New Zealand, 3, New Zealand Commercial Guides and 4, Non Resident Anglers. “These people are taking over the resource and the Kiwi resident angler has been totally ignored,” he
said. “The whole of the South Island back country rivers are under too much pressure from guided and unguided non-resident anglers.” New Zealand anglers were powerless at present to stop it. Large numbers of overseas tourist anglers were renting campervans and virtually living on the popular rivers for weeks and even months at a time. The non-resident anglers were estimated to spend 17 days on average fishing per season and the New Zealand angler 4-6 days, which suggested tourist anglers exerted about three times as much pressure. The Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism John Key had vowed to increase tourist numbers coming to New Zealand. “Northern Southland is in danger of being taken over by non-resident anglers primarily because of its proximity to an international airport. All these examples need to be controlled.” David Linklater said the solution required a whole new set of tools for Fish and Game to manage it. The group had obtained the support of Otago Fish and
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Game to form a lobby group outside of Fish and Game to advocate for change. “We intend to go to the angling public next to get a strong member base and are negotiating with Otago Fish and Game at present and may be able to use “Reel Life” to start and contact anglers.” He said the Prime Minister and also minister of Tourism, seemed “hell-bent” on attracting as many tourist anglers as possible with no consideration for the fishery or the New Zealand trout fishing public. “We need ‘people power’ to effect change. We want Fish and Game to take complete control of tourist angling.” However David Linklater was dubious of Fish and Game’s ability to manage the situation, because by law, government had control of Fish and Game. Nevertheless the group was promoting the four step plan mooted by Nick King, a guide who cares about the fishery and the Kiwi trout fishing public. The plan was used by managers of some of the world’s other platinum fisheries. “It is a basic, fair model that’s impossible to refute the hierarchy. We want Fish and Game to be able to administer the four step plan to the satisfaction of the New Zealand trout fishing licence holder public.” Vital to success was the support of the trout fishing public at large. “We need the resident angler to stand up and be counted. People power is the only way to put pressure on the government who has control over Fish and Game. So to all anglers I say please join the ‘Concerned Resident Anglers Group’. Don’t let commercialism take over.” Core members of the group are:, David Linklater (convenor), Bruce McGavin, Melvin Tudor, Mike Weddell, Murrary Smart, JohnThomson, Robin Hulsbosch, Chris Hyndman, John Dean, John Highton, Dave Witherow, Ray Grubb. Footnote. Website is www.kiwianglersfirst.nz
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Maritime Bill protects crews and coastlines Transport Minister Simon Bridges has introduced the Maritime Transport Amendment Bill to Parliament recently. The Bill addresses the risks associated with alcohol and drug use in the commercial maritime sector and takes steps to protect New Zealand’s coastline. “Under the proposed changes, commercial maritime operators will be required to have drug and alcohol management plans, including random testing for staff carrying out safety
sensitive activities,” Mr Bridges says. “Maritime New Zealand will consider management plans, and have the power to undertake additional drug or alcohol testing, as part of their oversight and monitoring role. “Many commercial maritime operators already have a drug and alcohol management plan. Making this a legal requirement will help ensure crews are consistently well protected.” The Bill will also enact changes re-
lated to the Supplementary Fund Protocol, which helps protect New Zealand’s coastline by increasing legal liability for companies in the event of a major oil tanker spill. In addition, the Bill exercises New Zealand’s right to exclude the costs of wreck removal, cargo removal and remediating damage from hazardous substances from liability limits. The Bill also includes a number of technical amendments.
Toxic algal mats spreading in Wairau River The warm temperatures coupled with an absence of major floods over winter may be causing the earlier-than-usual spread of toxic algae in Marlborough’s rivers. Last month the Council warned that the toxic algae was starting to show up in some streams, including the Omaka River, and parents and dog owners were warned of the health
risk posed to children and animals. Now the mats have been spotted by Council’s environmental scientists in various parts of the Wairau River, downstream from Renwick. Typically the algae doesn’t appear until late summer but there have been no big winter flood events to clean out the rivers, says Council environmental scientist Peter Hamill. He said condi-
tions in the Wairau River are likely to improve after the next big fresh, possible after some sustained rainfall. In the meantime, the public is advised to avoid any sites where a riverbed is covered in thick dark brown or black mats that have a velvety texture and an earthy or musty smell.
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Destination Great Lake Taupo (DGLT) have finally worked out a recipe for the promotion Turangi (Trout Fishing Capital of the World). This has been a title synonymous with the town for several decades, but finally the message has reached the DGLT and they have agreed it fits perfectly. The outcome of a recent meeting was to focus on the single best feature Turangi has to offer on the region and concentrate all images and promotion on that. There were so many worthy contenders competing for the USP (Unique Selling Point) including NZ’s best one day walk – the Tongariro Crossing, Ton-
... ... .
Based at Coromandel Town. 13m hardwood vessel (ex trawler) Rods available for hire if required Surveyed for 15 fishermen/women Day trips are 8 hours (min) Rod hire $10 per rod Free ice - BYO bait
gariro National Park for skiing and tramping, fishing, rafting, walking, biking the Tongariro River Trail, cultural heritage stuff, the North Island’s only underground power station, T2T (Taupo to Turangi) bike trail, etc. That is our special “USP” that no other town anywhere in the world can compete with. So can you please keep it to yourself – OK? – as it is not official yet. Now DGLT will now concentrate on marketing that USP and arrange for an iconic image of the mighty T river to incorporate fishing, walking, rafting and biking – which will be used extensively on all publicity material.
Good toilet. Friendly staff Barbeque available Free tea and coffee Boat hire - $900 full day - $600 half day
Skipper is ex commercial fisherman with 40 years local knowledge
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Book reviews
The Whopper by Brett Avison, illustrated by Scott Tulloch For ages 3+ It’s great to see some really good children’s books coming out just before Christmas. For any fishing family this is a great book to encourage youngsters that show an interest. The drawings are top class and the storyline follows your typical fishy story. ‘Fishy or not, this is the tallest story I have ever told. I have chosen the only title that could possibly do it justice — which is The Whopper.’ - Brett Avison. After a day spent down at the beach,
Fiordland By Andris Apse A stunning tribute to Fiordland,
Charlie can’t wait to tell everyone about the amazing adventure he’s had. A huge wave took him out to sea in a little boat, where he caught a HUGE fish Then a whale appeared from nowhere and brought him back to shore ... In this picture-book cross between The Old Man and the Sea and Where the Wild Things Are, imagination and reality blur in a world teeming with bears and cats, jam, honey and ice cream. But while Charlie is having the time of his life, Mum is not fooled ... Brett Avison takes us on another lively romp, where his catchy words propel us into a world of endless adventure and fun. Once again, he has teamed with tear-away Scott Tulloch, who brings the wonder and excitement of the text alive with colourful, lively and layered illustrations. Any child who has spent time playing on the beach will love this book, as, indeed, will the person reading this tall tale to them. This bestselling author-and-illustrator combo brings us another instant favourite that will transport you to that timeless world of childhood imagination, whether being read aloud, or quietly read by the child themselves. RRP $24.99
New Zealand’s greatest wilderness It was because of Fiordland that Andris Apse became a photographer. Back in the 1960s, when he was 21 years old he first tramped through the Stuart Mountains and ‘discovered’ Fiordland. Andris was overwhelmed by the majestic scenery but was also frustrated by his inability to communicate his wonder at the place. So he learned to take photographs, and Fiordland quickly became his great photographic passion. And now, aged 72, with 50 years
of professional photography behind him, and over 500 nights spent living in the most remote parts of this majestic wilderness, Andris has completed a full circle. Fiordland is a master-work, a remarkable collection of photographs, that in stunning style, pays homage to the place of his early and greatest inspiration. Andris Apse was born in Latvia in 1942 and immigrated to New Zealand with his mother at the age of six. He started his career as a woodsman with the New Zealand Forest Service but left that to purchase a commercial photographic studio in Rangiora in 1969. By the 1980s he was completely devoted to landscape photography and developing what has become one of
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this country’s finest photographic libraries of landscape images. Andris is a Fellow of the New Zealand Institute of Professional Photographers, has been the recipient of many New Zealand and international awards, and has a commercial portfolio that includes the New York Times, Time magazine, National Geographic, Newsweek and many more. He has also had over 20 books of his work published. Andris lives with his partner Lynne in the shadow of the Southern Alps at Okarito, on the West Coast of the South Island. In 2010 Andris received the Insignia of a Member of the NZ Order of Merit for services to photography.
cal and sometimes to their livelihood.” Like most of us, they started out as possum trappers, pig hunters and deerstalkers, quickly following the call to helicopter hunting. This took them into the world of helicopter shooting and live capture, which presented more opportunities on the international arena, logging, fire-fighting amongst some of the operations they undertook. The brothers quickly joined New Zealand’s highly recog-
and made for special occasions.
New Zealand – Our Country Recipe Book Full of mouthwatering recipes, this is a great book to have in the kitchen with a raft of recipes including trout, salmon, saltwater fish, venison and wild pork, cooked in traditional styles. The book also includes many older recipes that have been handed down from our Mum’s, recipes that are family favourites
NEW RELEASE - 1st November
Cooking should always be fun and this book is a real classic. I absolutely love the different recipes and seeing ordinary ingredients cut in new and interesting ways. The book outlines which sauces work best for many meat and fish dishes, how to cook and smoke trout and salmon in traditional methods. The book also goes beyond just making a meal, as it talks about making things like fried and Rewena breads and pan-de-sal buns. It also highlights how to make your own original pastries. I was pleasantly surprised to find recipes for breakfast, snacks and sides, casseroles, main dishes, desserts and recipes for dishes that are sure to make your family very happy and tantalize your taste buds I think I really fell in love with this cookbook when I saw the recipe for Rhys Famous meatloaf with Bacon, which has you drooling for a slice as soon as its out of the oven. The book delivers a selection of scenic photos from around New Zealand which are not normally found in the tourism pamphlets. You’ll find this cookbook to be lots of fun and extremely entertaining. Add in what to do and what not to do tips for parties, cooking tips, and more. Perfect from Christmas presents books are available at 3 for $20 each or one for $25.00 at 02885000058 or ncsmith36@gmail.com plus postage.
New Zealand: Untouched Landscapes By Petr Hlavacek .
New Zealand: Untouched Landscapes is a fresh and strikingly beautiful collection of landscape photographs that have been captured throughout the county by professional photographer, Petr Hlavacek. From our most iconic locations to harder-to-access and protected areas, New Zealand: Untouched Landscapes presents the pristine and diverse landscapes of this country, often from a new perspective. Petr’s photography is motivated by
Spot X – Game Fishing, Cape to Cape By Mark Airey
Another terrific book for anglers, with over 300 GPS spots and 80
nized group of specialist elite and well-renowned helicopter pilots. Widely sort after for the flying skills, daring and shear guts; the brothers shared adventure after adventure until one day tragedy breaks them apart. Forget the chores, this book is gripping and one of those written for a wet day when cutting the lawns and washing the car is impossible. One of my favourites. A must for any hunter’s book shelf.
the opportunity to promote greater public awareness of our fragile landscapes, a landscape he is passionate about protecting. Petr Hlavacek is an important new talent among New Zealand landscape photographers. A photographic exploration of New Zealand’s untouched landscapes. Petr Hlavacek is a photographer with a strong affection for New Zealand’s landscapes. Originally from the Czech Republic, he arrived in New Zealand in 2001, and has been photographing this country since, building an impressive reputation for his richly coloured and beautifully composed landscapes. Petr’s photographs have featured in magazines such as New Zealand Geographic, Wilderness, DPhoto, Photoshop Use, and in his book South: Photographs from the South Island of New Zealand. Petr founded the image library NZICESCAPES IMAGES, and runs a photographic gallery in Whataroa, South Westland, where he lives with his partner.
charts from Taranaki to East Cape. An encyclopedia of angler information featuring fishing tips, rigs and lures, setting up your boat, boat ramps with photos and boat access points along with heaps of other information. The book is compiled from the knowledge and expertise of many anglers who fish our waters regularly. Their input has ensured that this book is not only accurate, but informative, as the fishing spots are genuine and mark areas with good catch rates, but as every angler knows, there are other contributing factors. Mark Airey has done an excellent job putting this book together. If you are a serious fisherman this book is a must to have
I just got back home from the shops to find four Police Officers in my house looking for something, acting like lunatics! Even searching through my garage. They checked through the gun safe and inside my bed mattress tearing it apart!! When I asked if they had a f#%#k search warrant, they answered completely hysterically: “Where did you hide it?? We know it’s here somewhere!!” Then I watched one of the Police officers look at his mobile phone and then he shouted: “Stop it! We are in the wrong house!!!! The Pokémon is next door!!!”
BLOOD BROTHERS By Marion Day
From the author of the best seller Injun Joe: The Legend of Smoking Joe Collins The book will be available in all good bookstores and on-line Retail $39.99
Blood brothers follows the lives of two brothers Chris and Steve Podjursky. Marion’s biography of these two men is entertaining and incredibly well written as she describes the adventures of the brothers in great detail. Born in the early 1950’s the two boys grew up hunting around New Zealand’s wild places, sharing their experiences the brotherly bond was fearsome cemented in place through loyalty, trust and the mutual love of our native bush, as they followed their dream – hunting. They were like many young blokes of that era, content with their lot, but always looking for a new adventure, and seeking freedom. They weren’t the academic types, they were men of the land, smart, intelligent and full of life looking for opportunities and they took them. “Steve and Chris always stood a united front. They complimented one another. Like salt and pepper, each had his unique taste, but they were one as two, two as one, because they shared the same perspectives in life. The boys had courage – courage in deliberately taking a known risk, sometimes physi-
Kiwi Camping, large frame tent, c/w all poles, pegs, guys ropes, internal walls, shelves, in excellent condition, reluctant sale.
$999.00
Phone 022 3188926
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“A Bunk for the Night” - A guide to New Zealand’s Best Backcountry Huts, by Shaun Barnett, Rob Brown and Geoff Spearpoint. Published by Potton and Burton, price $49.99, reviewed by Tony Orman. If you’ve kicked around the hills a bit over the years, many endearing memories become associated with mountain huts. I remember staying in the old Kime Hut in the Tararua’s during Easter “roar” trips and enduring southerly blizzards when the huts shook on its foundations and the morning was one of sun brightly glistening on snow. And I recall for Roaring Stag Lodge in the Ruamahunga valley of the Tararua’s making a personal contribution by carrying timber
in there for three hours with a NZDA colleague. But there are lots of huts I’ve never stayed in and I would love to after reading “Bunk for the Night”. Three top tramping writers along with a top publishing company in Potton and Burton have put this book together and it’s a stunner. “A Bunk for the Night” highlights over 200 of the mountain huts, selected by the trio of authors as the best. Reading it makes you want to go and explore and stay a night or two. The book is a sequel to their top-selling history of New Zealand’s backcountry huts “Shelter from the Storm.” Publishers Potton and Burton, in the tradition of their other fine publications on outdoors and conservation have done a terrific job. “A Bunk for the Night” is admirably produced, colourful and well laid out and continues their fine record. Backcountry huts come in all shapes and sizes and construction from quaint old mustering huts of the South Island high country to old deer cullers huts of Forest Service vintage to DoC’s often palatial ‘over the top’ lodges. They are all great destinations in their own right and “A Bunk for the Night” is a fitting tribute and guide to them. “Bunk for the Night” is a handsome book, succinctly and well written, great colour photos and finely published. Verdict? Highly recommended! Go buy one!
A father buys a lie detector robot that slaps people when they lie. He decides to test it out at dinner one night. The father asks his son what he did that afternoon. The son says, “I did some schoolwork.” The robot slaps the son. The son says, “Ok, ok, I was at a friend’s house watching movies.” Dad asks, what movie did you watch?” Son says “Toy Story.” The robot slaps the son. Son says, “Ok, ok, we were watching porn.” Dad says, “What? At your age I didn’t even know what porn was”. The robot slaps the father. Mom laughs and says, “Well, he certainly is your son.” The robot slaps the mother.
NZ Rivers. By Catherine Knight Rivers are essential to our identity as New Zealanders. They shape our landscape, forming the fertile plains we live and farm on, and provide the water that is so critical to our lives and economy.
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NZ Rivers tells the story of how we got to this point and examines the history of our waterways, from the introduction of fresh water species, to building dams, recreational boating, the environmental movement and the protection of our rivers. The book also discusses the impact of agriculture and that the tension between exploitation and enjoyment of rivers is not new. Rivers were treasured by Maori and turned into drains with the coming of the European settlers, through mining, industry waste, sewerage, hydro-electricity and irrigation. Over time the utilitarian view of rivers has been increasingly questioned by those who value rivers for recreation as well as ecological, spiritual and cultural reasons. Today the sustainable use of rivers is the subject of intense debate. This is a must read to everyone interested in the future of our environment, economy and better managing these precious resources into the future
Whaly, a credit to designers
Mark Bojesen-Trepka had been looking for a decent inflatable boat for some time, and happened per chance to see the Whaly boat.
“This is absolutely perfect for what my needs are,” he thought. After purchasing his 370 Mark is rapped with not just the perfor-
mance of his boat, but the fact that it is easy to store, and to tow. “It’s light weight and pulls easily behind the car” he said. Once out on the water the Whaly is a dream to use and manoeuvre, not only is it cheap to run but the boat itself is almost indestructible, Mark says. Cleaning and maintenance is really easy he says, all you need to do is wash it down with a bit of soap and water and bingo job done. My Whaly is incredibly well-designed and a credit to the manufacturers, especially with the moveable seats that just slot in wherever you need them on the boat. Each seat has separate storage compartment that is water tight so you know whatever you put inside is safe and dry. Of course, you want to think carefully about the purchase of your boat: which boat would suit you most? If you are looking for a boat that can stand some rough handling, why not try a Whaly? Pronounced like
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a Whale with an ee on the end. Most anglers or sailors that have owned their own boat know what a blessing it is to be able to fish safely or ride in a stable boat, and the importance of safety and stability. You can completely swamp the boat, or fill it completely with water, and you can still keep motoring, people and all! The hulls are 6-10mm thick and made from high quality Polyethylene. All the Whaly models are perfect for recreational use, but many of them are also very suitable for other purposes. Overseas they are commonly used as work boats due to their rugged, no maintenance qualities. The 370 feels incredibly stable and you feel completely safe, as the sleek design and layout gives you the comfort not found in many small craft. Cup holders are located fore and aft, with a safety grab rope around the pontoons. Give them a call on 027 9500275 or whalyboatsnz@xtra.co.nz
I called an old school friend and asked what was he doing as we hadn’t caught up in a while. He replied that he is working on “Aqua-thermal treatment of ceramics, aluminium and steel under a constrained environment”. I was impressed...... On further enquiring I learn’t that he was washing dishes with hot water ....... under his wife’s supervision.
WHALY – all the advantages of an inflatable – without the worry and maintenance
270 - A great, general purpose sized dinghy
435 -the ultimate for size, and performance
210 - ideal as a tender
370 – for the serious fisher/diver/work boat
310 - the bigger brother of the 270
Tired of having to pump up your inflatable every few days? Worried about the kids puncturing your inflatable on the rocks? Sick of having an expensive asset simply deteriorating under the UV of the summer sun? Whaly have come up with the answer – a good looking dinghy that will take all the knocks and last. Styled like an inflatable, Whaly boats look and perform like an inflatable but with a unique seating design that provides a large internal area. Made of Polyethylene (like most recreational kayaks) Whaly boats are virtually unsinkable and will take all the abuse you can throw at them. You won’t get a free puncture repair kit with these boats! View us on…. whalyboatsnz.co.nz
Ph: 027 9500275 Em: whalyboatsnz@xtra.co.nz
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Reasons for concern about aerial 1080 poisoning - Part Two Many reasons to be concerned about the widespread use of aerially distributed food baits containing 1080 poison (sodium monofluoroacetate) for pest control in New Zealand are evident in scientific publications and government reviews and reports which the Department of Conservation, Ospri and TBFree NZ are ignoring. Dr Jo Pollard, a scientist with a background in animal behaviour, ecology and reviewing has written this document which we are publishing in abbreviated form in three parts. The exact wording and references can be found in the original review document http://1080science.co.nz/ aerial-1080-poisoning-in-newzealand-reasons-for-concern/ Dr Jo Pollard completed a BSc (Hons) in Limnology, Ecology, Applied Ecology and Animal Behaviour, then a PhD in Animal Behaviour. As a scientist at Invermay Agricultural Centre from 1989-2004, Jo researched farm animal welfare and management, publishing 33 journal papers and 27 technical papers including commissioned reviews. Since then she has completed contract work for AgResearch, Massey University and Telford while running a business, an animal charity and researching 1080. Continued from November 2016 issue. Problems with 1080 use (continued) 2. Efficacy against rats (see previous issue for Problem 1. Increased pest impacts) Byrom et al. suggested that rats in repeatedly poisoned populations may become difficult to control, through becoming bait-shy or developing a higher tolerance to 1080 as seen in rabbits in Australia. Individual rats may develop tolerance to 1080: “Repeated exposure of rats to small doses of fluoroacetate appears to afford some protection to subsequent challenge... This is not the case in sheep, probably because even small doses of fluoroacetate result in myocardial damage in this species and this damage can be cumula-
tive on subsequent exposure...” Reducing efficacy of 1080 in killing rats, under a regular (yearly) poisoning regime, has been observed already. 3. Effects on birds Cowan et al. drew attention to an “unacceptable” risk to kea (Nestor notabilis) and the vulnerability of native birds to 1080, due to bait repellents being ineffective, the minute amount of bait required to kill small birds and the likelihood that birds would eat fragments of baits and peck at whole baits. Small fragments are a problem with both carrot and cereal baits. The commonly used bird deterrents - cinnamon flavour and green colour - are ineffective, at least for robins. Widespread mortality was recorded in the first studies on effects of 1080 on birds: “it is clear that a wide variety of small birds commonly found in New Zealand’s forests and bush are susceptible to 1080 poisoning.” The following species have been reported as having been found dead in areas poisoned with 1080: Australian harrier, weka, pukeko, kaka, kea, morepork, rifleman, NZ pipit, brown creeper, whitehead, grey warbler, fantail, tit, robin, silvereye, kokako, tui, kakariki, fernbird and kereru. The risk to many native bird species from aerial 1080 operations is unknown. The most definitive studies on bird deaths due to 1080 have used radio-telemetry, and have confirmed on-going, substantial mortality of kea and fern birds. Recently it was stated that to address the issue of 1080 poisoning of native birds objectively, “it would be necessary to design a bespoke bird- and mammal-carcass collection study as an integral part of a 1080 pest-control operation.” The Department of Conservation’s (DoC’s) most commonly used method of assessing bird mortality, the five minute bird count, is notoriously unreliable. Nesting success is also used by DoC to assess effects of poisoning and as with bird counts, it is of questionable value. Increased nesting
success is claimed to indicate that aerial 1080 has had a beneficial effect. But it may actually show that populations have been severely culled. For instance a population of tomtits estimated to have been culled by 79% by an aerial 1080 operation had shown enhanced nesting success the following season, with “pairs rearing two, and in some cases, three broods”. Furthermore the monitoring of nesting success e.g. by climbing into trees to inspect mohua (Mohua ochrocephala) nests every 3-4 days may cause predation. The visual, oral and olfactory disturbances from nest monitoring are likely to attract predators; stoats have followed at least one wildlife scientist around. In a recent review, DoC admitted that “Few studies have monitored long-term bird population or community responses to a sustained regime of aerial 1080 application.” This is in spite of repeated warnings from ecologists. Suffering of poisoned birds (and other non-target animals) was virtually overlooked by the applicants in the ERMA review, drawing criticism from the review panel’s ethical consultant: “1080 presents a significant welfare risk - poisoned animals experience several hours of compromised welfare and death, and possible pathological effects in surviving animals. This risk, not just to possums but many other species, should be acknowledged and considered...Given that 1080 is a broad-spectrum toxin, it is essential that the broad spectrum of costs and benefits is considered and not just limited to possums.” Animal welfare was “essentially ignored” in public information from DoC and other poisoning agencies. Suffering was trivialised by the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment’s statements that 1080 was rated as “moderately humane” when the research cited actually rated it as having an “intermediate welfare impact” consisting of severe effects, lasting for hours. 4. Lack of science behind 1080 use by DoC In a 2015 overview of its own ship rat, possum and stoat control programmes, DoC listed many problems internal to their organisation, which included: 1. few staff had completed the Animal Pest Management Framework training; 2. adoption of best practise was patchy; 3. not all DoC control operations were reported; 4. failure to follow best practice; 5. insufficient toxin; 6. budget insufficient; 7. breakdown in communication between technical advisors and operational staff leading to poor design and inconclusive outcomes; 8. did not fully understand the relationship between forest mast events and rodent population responses to these; 9. had too few measures of the longterm benefits of 1080 use to different populations of native species; 10. lack of robust monitoring and follow through; 11. legal requirements not always met; 12. how variable operations had been was unknown, as not all control operations were written up; 13. average costs for ground-based trapping and toxin operations were difficult to obtain because they were not consistently recorded. DoC’s “Battle for the Birds” programme uses widespread aerial 1080 poisoning to attempt to control expected rises in pest animals (rats, mice and stoats) associated with episodic masting (seeding) of beech trees. This idea overlooks many important ecological facts: 1. negative effects of competitor release (including a rapid build-up of large numbers of rats and mice) and prey switching following poisoning;
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2. many different plant species (not just beech trees) mast at different times with variable responses by pest animals; 3. mice rather than rats are expected to increase in beech forests following masting; 4. 1080 is usually very ineffective at killing mice and can be poor at controlling stoats; 5. New Zealand’s native birds and other animals have weathered massive rises in
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rat numbers since the time of the kiore (Rattus exulans); 6. responses to masting naturally decline on their own within a few months; 7. in poisoning deaths, priceless genetic material (along with the potential to adapt, e.g. to predation pressure) is lost from populations; 8. New Zealand’s endemic species such as kea are long-lived, slow reproducers to whom an occasional poor nesting year
is likely of little consequence provided the adults survive. Anderson et al. wrote of a “disconnect between science and management” whereby managers used a “trial and error” approach without formal assessment to control pests, despite the existence of a large amount of pestfocused ecological research. The foregoing appears to verify that.
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New Zealand should develop and use a clean, green replacement for 1080 poison, NZ First leader Winston Peters says. The emphasis being on ‘should’. When in fact we can do it immediately! 1080 poisoning of our wildlife is condoned by Forest and Bird and the SPCA. The very organizations that should be calling for prosecutions of those using it and to have it banned. Peters made the call in a speech recently to Agcarm, a national organization representing plant and animal science industries. “Instead of being an importer of 1080 we want New Zealand to
become a global leader in the manufacture of clean, green agricultural compounds and veterinary medicines,” Mr Peters said. “We should research, develop and deploy a replacement for 1080 and phase out its use within New Zealand.” Mr Peters says ground control measures, such as hunting, can be just as effective against possums as aerial drops of 1080 with the added benefit of boosting the fur industry. In 2011 the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment, Dr Jan Wright, released her report on 1080 and concluded more of it should be
used to save native bird populations. We put two questions to Mr Prosser NZ First spokesperson for 1080 which have been ignored: 1. Will NZ First overturn this government’s decision to poison our mountains, national parks and streams, should it get into a coalition partnership or stand-alone position in the next elections. 2. What action is NZ First currently taking to stop the proposed poison drops recently announced by Maggie Barry on behalf of DoC and the government to eradication pests before 2050. So once again no political party will stand up against this horrific method of killing our wild animals.
1080 opponents reach agreement with DOC 100% Pure Taranaki, a group opposed to 1080 poison, has reached agreement with DoC to stop future drops of the poison in the Mt Taranaki area The group plan to keep pest numbers in check using traps, which DoC state if they do could stop a planned poison drop in 2020 will not go ahead. 100% Pure Taranaki want to push the
passion felt by people opposed to 1080 in a productive direction – towards pest reduction by teaching volunteers how to trap possums in the area. DoC has previously carried out a drop on the Kaitake Ranges and the group helped collect poisoned possums from water catchment areas. The group then struck a deal with
DoC that if it could keep possum numbers down the scheduled 2020 drop in the area would be canned. The group believes that trapping is a viable alternative to 1080 and hopes similar arrangements can be made in other parts of the country.
The aim of 1080 drops is not possums and rats, but deer. I have suspected this for a while. Some time ago, two independent members of a Regional Animal Health Committee of the Animal Health Board, now OSPRI, told me that the pur-
Then you go searching and discover more. I found a video by the Graf Boys. What marvelous work they do. The text said “A Taihape area farmer was lookpose of 1080 aerial drops was to ‘get ing for lost sheep after an aerial 1080 the deer’. I recalled these comments poison drop on the back of his propon reading a blog the other day. erty. What he found is disturbing. A The blog said, “My partner and I total of 10 poisoned deer were found, spoke to the poison people late last and it’s just the tip of the iceberg.” year. They are contracted to lay eve- Recall the sneers of the ‘poison peorything from cyanide to feratox to ple” of the blog I quoted and the blogtake care of the ‘pests’ on behalf of ger saying “I will never forget them the NZ Government. I will never for- laughing as they said that the 1080 get them laughing as they said that had been doubled more than a year the 1080 had been doubled more prior to our conversation. When we than a year prior to our conversation. asked why they said “to Kill the deer, When we asked why they said “to and the activists aren’t even aware yet” Kill the deer, and the activists aren’t So where are the defenders of deer? even aware yet”. We responded with You might expect the NZ Deerstalkers “Well now they are”. These peo- Association to be “on the case”. But they ple were too stupid to realize they are missing in action. In green zealot were talking to the wrong people.” Dave Hansford’s new book “Protecting
The 1080 cracks are starting to appear It’s great to see that the word is getting out on the decimation of Kea caused by 1080. Its mind blowing to see the audacity of the Conservation Department as the lies and deceit begin to catch up with them. Since the aerial 1080 drops have escalated in kea territory their population has plummeted, with DoC deliberately murdering dozens of the endangered species. DoC is now admitting that Kea is being driven to extinction by aerial 1080 drops. They are not being protected by the department mandated to protect native species. Kea gave done well over the last
century even with plagues of rats and stoats present in their habitat. Possum aren’t true predators. Last century we witnessed the shooting of these alpine parrots with a bounty and with the ‘.410 kea gun’ developed for that purpose. That didn’t work either. So why do DoC tell us inaccurate facts that are obvious to the public living with the truth in their communities. And why quote that SOP to the masses of ‘nesting success’ that has no credible data of net population growth to back it up. DoC’s estimate the kea population as between 1000 to 5000,
New Year Tournament 1st Marlin of the season
First weighed over 90kg $500 First Tag & Release $500 4th February 2017
Nauti Girls Tournament
accompanied by retching, manic running, tetanic (muscle) convulsions and spasms and paddling of all four limbs.” Is that what the public and the public’s game animal’s deserve? There are people who hate deer, such as DoC’s head office managers - probably Forest and Bird members too as Forest and Bird go right back to their patron saint amateur botanist Leonard Cockayne who hated deer with a vengeance. Cockayne was the “brain” behind the 1930 “Deer Menace Conference”. There are people too who stand lamely by watching and doing nothing. Remember the blog earlier and then poison operators saying the intention was to “Kill the deer, and the activists aren’t even aware yet.” They were right. The ‘activists” are asleep. The 1080 plan is to rid NZ of deer?
Government Sacks Recreational Fisherman From Forum for Lack of PC
which seems to be a wild guess given the ‘give or take a few’ attitude. The Southern Alps the only place in the world where these alpine parrot can be found in the wild. The Wildlife Act declares a maximum fine of $100,000 or six months in prison for anyone convicted of killing one, yet DoC can blatantly sidestep this even though Kea are protected by law. No poisoning of an endangered animal is acceptable and better alternatives need investigating, including different forms of poison and baits which repel birds instead of attracting them.
A recreational fisherman has been booted off a marine protection forum by government for an e mail that in good fun stereotyped Maori. Nelson Cross, from Kaka Point, South Otago, was a recreational representative member on the forum which was investigating proposals for sites for possible inclusion in a network of marine-protected areas from north of the Pareora River, near Timaru, to Waipapa Point, in Southland. But following his e mail, Nelson Cross received a letter from Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy and Associate Conservation Minister Nicky Wagner telling him he was no longer on the forum. His e mail contained tongue-in-cheek wisecracks about break about recreational fishers being lower priority than commercial and customary fishers. He reportedly called a past government a ‘’bunch of girlie boys’’ and joked about Maoris discovering ‘’KFC and the TAB and the joys of sedentary living while on a benefit’’. Nelson Cross who has several good “Maori” friends said his intentions were to be humorous and not racist. The sacking has drawn reaction from
The Te Awa O Waitahanui Trust is developing a programme to tackle the problems of invasive weed spread and pest animal control within the respective Waitahanui River. There are a range of plant species that are being specifically targeted, photos depicting a range of these
9-11 February 2017
A1 Homes Whangamata Classic Tournament 18-25 February 2017
NZSFC Nationals 4 March 2017
Junior Game Fishing Tournament
Entry forms available on our website: www.oceansports.co.nz
Enquiries to: manager@oceansports.co.nz
readers of “Fishing and Outdoors.” One South Island reader said ministers Guy and Wagner lacked a sense of humour. He pointed out that the late Maori comedian Billy T James frequently “took the mickey” out of those with Maori ancestry. “What about people making Irish jokes? I’ve got Irish ancestry. I don’t get uptight. But on fisheries angle, Mr Cross is quite correct in pointing out recreational fishers are third priority after commercial and customary. That’s despite that $1.7 billion value of recreational fishing to the economy, much greater than commercial.” He pointed out that customary fishers don’t have any rules for season, size or bag limits. “It’s one rule for those with Maori ancestry although they may be only one tenth or less Maori blood. It should be as the Treaty of Waitangi said, we’re one people.” He said he had several friends with Maori blood, one with an “unusually high 50% or so” being a very close friend. All of them see Kiwis as one people instead of divided by any presence of Maori ancestry. He pointed out his wish to be anony-
mous was because of the “absurd PC ideology” and knee jerk reactions from members of it such as ministers Nathan Guy and Nicky Wagner. “They need to get a breath of fresh air, reality and lighten up,” he said. Another reader who declined to be named was also critical of ministers Guy and Wagner, bowing to the “political correct nonsense.” “I think we need to fight back at this propaganda maorification of everything in our life,” he said. “We are all NZ people not divided by ethnic origin. This is an extreme case of radicalization of Ministers of the Crown and this is just one of a growing number of outrageous behaviour of National Party politicians, who think they are above reproach!” he said. Nelson Cross was reported as saying his good Maori friends did not take offence but nevertheless sent an apology to those he had sent the e mail to. Otago’s Tautuku Fishing Club president Brett Bensemann, of Dunedin, said Mr Cross had represented recreational fishers well on the forum and described Nelson Cross as “a good man.’’
Pest Eradication Project
TOURNAMENT CALENDAR
2 January 2017
It is lifeless. Very sad but very true. It is well documented 1080 kills everything that breathes oxygen. Insects, birds, and deer. It is a callous way to kill. It takes one to two days to kill and animals go through agony. Noted hunting author Peter Harker wrote of it in his book “Random Shots.” “To see a large animal dying from 1080 poison is a horrific sight. I have heard fully grown stags and hinds screaming and groaning in agony before I’ve found them - and it’s the saddest thing I’ve witnessed. And to see a young poisoned fawn groaning in pain and trying to follow its Mum made me ashamed ... death takes days not hours.” A RSPCA paper in 2007 said “the poison (1080) is slow killing”. Figures from the paper show a feral pig may take 2.8 to 80 hours (over 3 days) to die, sheep 9.6 to 61.6 hours (over 2.5 days) and a possum 5 to 97 hours (over 4 days) to die. “Furthermore the dying process is
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by Dick Featherstone
Aim of 1080 ‘Nuke’ is Deer by Hamish McTavish
Paradise” Hansford argues poisons are the way to go to protect. In his book he talks to NZDA president O’Leary. NZDA by policy is opposed to poisons and 1080 but O’Leary makes a weird case for not opposing it. He said “We’re (NZDA) opposed to the use of any poisons - when they are used in such a way that they take out game animals.” Excuse me? What did the Taihape farmer find? 1080 is taking out the deer. So what does O’Leary want to do? Instead he wants “hunters to pay their way through under a regime through the Game Animal Council - pay a licence fee.” Excuse me? Why would hunters want to fund a Game Animal Council which is duty bound by an Act of Parliament to the Minister of Conservation who is the “front person” for the Department of Conservation? NZDA’s O’Leary must be a very naive, easy-to-suck-in person. So NZDA is not going anywhere.
2017 TOURNAMENT SEASON
1080 - Who can we believe?
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be called for from angling clubs, schools and other interested organizations, when the project gathweeds are show at the end of this ers some momentum and specific overview and include: Japanese hon- working bee days are organized to eysuckle, Himalayan honeysuckle, specifically tackle certain tasks, i.e.: Willow trees, Broom, wild rose, Lupins, weed clearing and bird counting. Caprosma, Contoniasta, Wandering The programme is intended to conDew, Pinus contorta, and Douglas Fir. tinue over a number of years as Some species will be the most chal- the scale of the problem is extenlenging, but it is hoped by a con- sive and will be difficult to address. structive approach and a combined The actual animal pest and weed effort of the majority of interests, that eradication process will take many considerable progress will be made. years, with the initial focus on selected Over time, new developments and areas which will be developed and consultation with landowners and enhanced as the project advances. interested parties may well speed The Trust has started a ‘givealittle’ up this programme but it is impor- page to help Dave and his boys tant from the outset to have a struc- build traps and get the necestured programme with an agreed sary tools to continue the project. method of approach, together with specific people trained in the treatment and pest eradication process. Currently Dave Cade (aka Didymo Dave) has permission to carry out trapping and invasive plant eradication. Dave Cade is coordinating an operational team to undertake the work in the designated localities and is responsible for training his helpers to qualified to help fulfill the tasks ahead. Initially this is a small group and will be Dave’s group of local iwi kids who willing expanded as and when the need arises. volunteer on a regular basis It is anticipated that volunteers will
Trap with rodent killed inside and egg used for bait
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TCDC NOT SUPPORTING TOURISM I had the occasion to visit Coromandel recently and learnt that Hannifin’s Wharf is being advertised as the blue highway detonation for the Coromandel Peninsular, yet I recently watched several wheelchairs attempting to use facility and had to laugh at this PR bungling. It is not good enough to blatantly lie about a facility which is not close to being suitable. Everyone is pushing the ferry and tourism but no one wants to front up and spend money on a rundown inadequate facility. Roading people hop on the ferry
OATS
in Auckland on an up to date walking aids and the families with wharf with very adequate facili- prams, pushchairs and with young ties, to arrive in Coromandel to a kiddies in tow, have trouble dissub-standard dilapidated wharf embarking the ferry onto an overwith no facilities whatsoever. crowded undersize pontoon, and Currently around 45,000 foot then they are faced with a rough traffic uses this wharf per uneven walk along very dodgy year and according to the fer- jetty, up an uneven steep concrete ries that number is increasing. footpath to a metaled uneven Then they have to traverse a one car park then onto a bus or car. lane metal road for the ten kilo- When you consider what people metre ride to Coromandel Town. have to go through to visit this Not a good look by any means for the beautiful coastal town it’s a wonoverseas tourist who must think der they still have any tourism. they have stepped back in time. To bring a wheelchair from AuckThe senior citizens, elderly with land to or from Coromandel is a ma-
jor exercise. The ferries can’t advertise as being wheelchair friendly, as the facilities are just not there for visitors or tourists in wheelchairs. The ferries themselves are wheelchair friendly but are hindered by the Coromandel facilities. It is pretty crappy when the rest of the country are trying to be seen to be upgrading the facilities and advocating getting people with disabilities back out enjoying themselves when you have a narrow minded council playing on the excuse that they have no money or they are waiting for
OPINION the inner harbour development. The TCDC has been talking about this very issue for the last 5 years, and going by their attitude we would be very surprised if anything happens in the next 5 years. In the meantime the rest of the country moves forward while Coromandel is left behind. Public that has used the inadequate facilities talk, and word of mouth is the best public relations and marketing that anyone would use so the wonderful Coromandel Town will start to suffer as tourist and visitor numbers from the ferry drop.
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Avoiding public backlash By Graham Carter
The two biggest concerns for the recreational fishers are the Trawl vessels in the inshore fishery, the wastage and failure of monitoring equipment used by commercial fishers. In an attempt to avoid public backlash the trawlers are now getting ‘offal discharge’ systems built into the holds. This enables the trawlers to cut up and discharge unwanted species, high grade quota fish by putting them through the hull cutters to be discharged under water, while the vessel is steaming, under the guise of avoiding seabird kill. This becomes a joke given those issues with the Trident camera system as they have lost 80% of footage through sea water in the cameras, poor Wi-Fi reception, and other purported camera issues, which should have been trialed before the cameras were installed on the vessels. The trawlers fishing the inshore fishery have a profit goal, to the detriment of the shallow water fishery and in direct competition with recreational fishing. They are using these big trawlers in depleted fisheries, namely the Bay of Plenty and Hawkes Bay areas. The BOP has only 7% of the SNA1 Snapper stock and the HB recreational fishers are currently in negation with MPI and commercial fishers on how to rebuild the depleted fishery after a fishing company was caught in the act of 350 fishing offences against the fishery. What they are doing is no longer socially, ecologically or financially acceptable. They are taking the inshore fish off recreational fishers, from the very areas where recreational fishing is crucial to the economic survival of many seaside towns in the area. The commercial fishers of NZ have lost social licence with the NZ public as a whole and have no confidence in the management of MPI or its Minister. To truly put into perspective the value and best economic benefit to the NZ economy we need to consider this. It takes 350 recreational fishers (if they were all successful in landing 7 snapper) to catch the same amount of fish as one 12 metre trawl vessel with one or two crew. To further reduce the recreational day catch by any political party would be amount to political suicide and yet this is essentially what the commercial fishers are about to do. The recreational fishing lobby groups will make sure the result is the same, the government of the day will pay the price, meanwhile consumers are paying export prices for retail fish (which can be low value reject export quality, and many days old when sold in retail outlets). This means that because the commercial fishers have a monopoly over supply and price, consumers will likely be voting a no confidence vote in the management by the minister this election.
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PACKS AWAY INTO COMPACT CARRY BAG!
11-13 March 2016
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FIRST BOATING
By Steven Waerea
Writer amateur fishermen
I would’ve been four when my parents moved into a business back in the Hawke’s Bay, they sold their boat to concentrate on work and family (1988). We’d caught a ton of mullet and kahawai from the beaches and rivers of Hawkes Bay over the years, sometimes baby Snapper in the warmer months, with the occasional Gurnard. We were on one of our weekends away in Wellington, staying at a motor camp somewhere in Lower Hutt for a couple of nights. We went to the speedway as well
as did a bit of fishing from the rocks around the Wellington harbour entrance, caught a few small terakihi with small cod and kahawai. We released all of them to grow bigger. On the drive home, down State Highway One on the Kapiti coast, there was a garage sale, mother just had to have a look (mum likes garage sales). There was a ten foot aluminium dinghy at the garage sale. It didn’t have a motor, just some oars and a screen, no trailer. Mother bought this dinghy, loaded it into the back of the van and we were back on the road to Hawke’s Bay with the greatest toy a kid could hope for. We used it a few times without a motor, rowing a ten foot dinghy with my brother wasn’t ideal for going too far out as young teenagers. We wouldn’t go much more than a stone’s throw out from the beaches. Sometimes we would row as far as the green buoy out the front of Napier, always got a few kahawai and gurnard on our basic fishing gear. We never knew how deadly flasher rigs could be in the Bay until a later stage. The beauty of the
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plastic tube from the plumber that we sawed into rod holders that were screwed to the seats, a decent chain and an anchor rope. With the motor we were able to get out to Pania reef where we caught all kinds of fish. Favourite place to go over summer holidays was the Clifton motor camp, we could launch from the beach there and be out off the Cape in deeper water pretty quickly, or we’d shoot across to Te Awanga chasing schooling Kahawai. One time I was pulling in a kahawai off Te Awanga, as it got near the boat a kingfish nearly as long as the dingy was chasing it up. It freaked me out a little bit as a kid, seeing a fish the size of your vessel makes you think twice. Kane Wrigglesworth from Crafty’s Rods & Occasionally we would go out on Guns does it again taking out a Taradale my dad’s mate’s boat. Pedro, half club fishing adjunct competition for averaborigine chap, mad keen hunter age weight against the boaties. fisherman type. He bought himself small dinghy was we were able a 16 foot Fyran on a floating trailer to launch off pretty much any powered by twin 35hp Johnson’s. beach with the right conditions. This also leaked pretty well too. It leaked a bit, would have to bail Those tinnies with rivets in the the water out manually after a cou- bottom are not the greatest idea. ple of hours out playing around. He would launch his Fyran off Somewhere along the line my Clifton and fish out off Cape Kidbrother managed to save a few nappers in the deeper waters. dollars and bought us a motor I remember catching some fish from the marine shop in Hastings. but not in great numbers back A 7.5 hp Johnson doesn’t sound then, the fishing gear we used like much but she got us up on the was pretty basic, just hooks nylon plane pretty easily. We’d got some sinker and a swivel. Pedro and dad
never used things like fluoro beads, fluoro tube, flasher rigs or burley; they kept things pretty simple. We’d also get out on a few charter boats in Tauranga and Napier, also fished with some school mate’s dads out on their boats. Out behind the breakers is fish in the bay Pop had a wooden 13 footer he used in the lakes with the gie like a cut cat with that moodd occasion in the ocean. Dad and tor, remember you’d have to turn my brothers did a bit of trout fishing round on hard acceleration to from this old girl and a bit of netting turn air fuel ratio nob sticking out in the estuary around Tauranga. of the engine cover, classic old My uncle still has this little school 2 stroke power (Evinrude). gem in his shed on the farm. How we didn’t drown ourWhen we had the aluminium din- selves is beyond me. Alghy we found Pops old 25hp out- ways had to wear a lifejacket. board in the corner of the shed not seeing much use, so we grabbed it, cleaned it up, got her running, then would slap it on the back of the tinny just to go hooning up the Clive River, or out in the chop of Napier. Highly impractical for fishing as when sitting at rest there was only an inch or two from water coming over the stern. Man she would booThe boat enables the access of reliable fishing in the bay.
NZ’s Conservation Estate Under Threat The Conservation Minister Maggie Barry has just lodged a case in the Supreme Court to downgrade the specially protected status of 22 ha of the Ruahine Forest Park so that it can be flooded to make way for the Ruataniwha irrigation dam. A dam that will mean more industrial dairying and more pollution in our rivers. The Minister of Conservation should be protecting our natural heritage not taking legal action to destroy it. The conservation ruling exists to protect land from industrial and
developmental interests (in particular) - these rulings are pointless if all the government has to do is downgrade them to suit themselves whenever they want to do something controversial. This case could set a dangerous precedent for New Zealand’s conservation estate. Specially protected areas could be ‘reclassified’ and destroyed or degraded by commercial activities like industrial agriculture, dams and mining. There are already plans underway
for another irrigation dam near Nelson which would flood part of Mount Richmond Forest Park. We cannot allow this dangerous precedent to be set. Conservation land is a taonga and it belongs to all New Zealanders and future generations - not to private companies who want to make a profit from destroying or degrading it. Forest & Bird already fought this case in the Court of Appeal and they won. Downgrading the status of this land was ruled to be unlawful.
When this Government threatened to mine ‘Schedule 4’ conservation land, thousands of New Zealanders mobilized against it and the Govt backed down. Send an email to Maggie Barry at maggie.barry@parliament.govt.nz The Minister of Conservation should be defending our precious forest heritage not giving it up to be drowned for a dam.
Cruising to the Bay of Plenty? Stop the spread of marine pests: •
Keep your boat bottom clean - no more than light hull slime, all the time
•
Check your hull, keel, nooks and crannies before you cruise
•
Haul out to clean heavy hull fouling
Tauranga marinas have hull hygiene rules for visiting vessels. Plan ahead - contact Tauranga Bridge Marina on 07 575 8264 or Tauranga Marina on 07 578 8747 for details.
Find out more at www.boprc.govt.nz/marinepests
st fe in st Pe
Don’t let marine pests spoil your summer. They’re bad for business, fun and fishing.
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ed
hu ll l ift ed r from bou r a H Tauranga
Find out more, visit www.boprc.govt.nz/ marinepests
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BIG FALLOW - an awesome stag By Steve McEwen
After spending 5-6 seasons as a hunting guide over Gisborne way on a massive Free Range Private Station and then the last two roars down South chasing tahr and chamois I decided I really wanted to concentrate my efforts on getting a Big Fallow Stag. I’ve shot a few but nothing over the 210215DS mark. I wanted 230+ and on Public Land!! No Game Park stuff. After doing some homework I headed to Raetihi into some promising DoC land that I’d been told about. It was early March but I wanted to get in early before the Stags started fighting, risking antler damage. After arriving and packing in early morning, the country looked and smelt like Fallow Deer Country. Saw a few average stags and plen-
ty of hinds mobbed up and got a good look at the lay of the land. Late next morning I heard my first croak. This stag was moving quickly, an hour later I located him heading to a scrubby/bushy knob, 500m away. Even at that range I could see he was massive. After sussing out where I thought he was camped I retreated till late afternoon. Having made a plan I returned to set up an ambush for early evening (or so I thought!!). I waited and waited…..and waited. About ½ hour before dark I saw a huge set of antlers moving between bushy manuka…. But on the other side of the gully heading up a spur 400m away. With not a lot of daylight left I gave chase. By the time I made it to the ridge I didn’t know whether he had gone up, down or around the ridge and dark was fast approaching. I finally located him with some hinds but was too dark to see him through the scope. Rather than spook him I again retreated to have a crack next morning (stags don’t get big and old from being stupid!!). Long before daylight I was in position to have a go, he was croaking regularly, the breeze was in my face, everything was perfect…..until daylight revealed I was on the wrong spur!! A sudden dash over the side and up the next spur had me closing in to a patch of scrubby bush where
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DIDYMO DAVE’S REPORT THERE WAS A TIME
he was holed up with a mob of hinds. With a clearing all around it was down to a patient waiting game. With the wind being kind it was just a matter of time. Twenty minutes later he finally chased a hind out onto the clearing….Boom!! and down he went. An awesome stag on Public Land. Finally I had the Stag I’d been looking for, measuring 245 DS and being right at the start of the rut he was in prime condition with ½ inch of fat all over him and no damaged palms from fighting – awesome! Mission accomplished.
When cleaning up carparks and riverbanks etc., I would pick up discarded fishing nylon and dispose of it in rubbish bins. Often while talking to fishermen the subject of discarded nylon would come up and without fail every fishermen would tell me “Oh I always take my nylon home” which used to make me think well it must be the martians who are dropping it. Then one day a few years ago I was cleaning up rubbish etc., on the Tongariro River when I had one of those brain flashes — why not build a model trout out of the discarded nylon as a protest? Now that seemed like a fun Fallow Stag shot at the start of the idea so from that moment on that’s roar by Steve McEwan, DS 246. what 1 have been doing. However in order to build a nylon trout and do it with integrity it was obvious there had to be some guidelines around it. I decided that any nylon added into the trout had to come from within
World duck calling champs
Two young New Zealanders from the South Island have gone to the United States to take part in the world duck calling championships, at Easton in Maryland. The pair are building apprentice Hunter Morrow from Luggate in Central Otago, and a Nelson teenager Holly Irvine. Hunter took out the New Zealand duck calling supreme title in July while Holly (12) has quali-
fied to compete in the junior division of the world champs. Hunter was quietly confident of at least a placing after his success in the world champs last year – placing 4th and 5th in two different categories. “This year he will compete in five different duck and goose categories, so “surely I can get somewhere,” he says, “let’s hope it works out. Hunter Morrow says that while there is cash, shotguns and other
Deercullers Reunion 9-12 March 2017
prizes on offer it is the chance to take the world title that is most “important” and motivating for him. He notes that he and Holly are the only competitors who are not from the U.S. or Canada. Organizer of the New Zealand duck calling champs, Adam Rayner, says he wishes the pair well adding that they have a huge amount of support from their many Kiwi followers. Both have been working hard and have some tricks up their sleeve, he says. Hunter for example had recently “cleaned up” in a calling contest at the Sika Show in Taupo. “I can’t think of better ambassadors for New Zealand duck callers in the U.S. than those two.” Mr Rayner notes that Hunter has been picked as one of the judges for part of the competition, the first time a non-U.S. citizen has been given such an honour. “It’shugeforhimandforNewZealand.”
Makowhai Station Summer Events
The Schedule of Summer Events 2016-17 on 12th -13th March 2017, Makowhai Station Horse Trek. The Makowhai Station Annual Horse Trek is on again. Join us for fantastic riding (short, long or longer ride options), renowned country hospitality and some good old fashioned entertainment. $200.00 per person. Makowhai Station Ltd, 570 Taumatatahi Rd, RD 18, Waitotara Valley, Wanganui, 4588; Phone 06 346 5714; www.makowhaistation.co.nz info@makowhaistation.co.nz
Waihaha River under threat Famed for its iridescent glacial water, the Waitaha River is one of our most magnificent wild rivers. But it is under threat from a hydroelectricity proposal. Loved by all who visit, the Waitaha is on conservation land and has its upper reaches in the snowy and ice covered Southern Alps. More than 25 native bird spe-
A policeman in a small town is walking his beat and comes across a bushman walking down the street naked, so he arrests him for indecent behaviour. As he is locking him up he asks: Why in the world are you dressed like this? The bushman says: Well it’s like this officer. I was in the bar down the road and this pretty young girl asked me to go to her flat with her. So I did. We go inside and she undressed me and then took off her clothes. She lay back on the bed and said now go to town …… and here I am.
at the Thames Valley Deerstalkers premises, Paeroa. This reunion is only open to NZ Deercullers Assn Members.
The group who are spearheading this reunion are: Andy Leigh, Brian Neilson, Fred Dickson, Jock Spinks and Shaun Neustroski. If anyone is able to assist or help out with anything at all during this time, or being prepared to put their hand up for other jobs as they come along. Please email - ring Jock Spinks on 07 862 4883 or Brian Neilson 027 8910958 or brianneilson@xtra.co.nz
the area covered by the Taupo fishing licence. Then there was the definition of what discarded meant and I decided this had to mean nylon discarded that could have been picked up. For instance, I was talking to a fisherman one day explaining what I was doing while he was taking his rod apart. He cut his cast off and handed it to me. I thanked him but explained that was not discarded and therefore didn’t qualify. Neither did swimming down a river pulling nylon off snags under the water. What I was after was the nylon lying all over the carparks and on the riverbanks that had been cut off and dropped. So that’s how it all started. I figured out the best way to make the nylon trout rigid was to wind the discarded nylon into long ropes and then bind the ropes together and that’s the method I’ve used to build it so far.
Sometimes people ask where I get the most nylon from and my answer is anywhere fishermen have been there will be discarded nylon. The heavier the angling pressure, the more nylon and the reverse is also true. The only pattern I have established is that I find most of the heavier breaking strain nylon in certain locations, on the banks of certain pools during the winter months. But during the summer in the upper parts of most rivers there is no shortage of low breaking strain fluorocarbon. One day I was heading to the Reid Pool on the Tongariro and a fisherman was returning who knew what I was doing and he proudly told me “there is no nylon at the Reid Pool, I’ve picked it all up”. Now that sort of thing has happened quite a few times with men, women, visitors, locals, Maori, Pakeha etc., and there is no pattern to who will pick it up. I must admit that other people have helped me pick some up. For instance I took some friends for a look at the upper Tongariro River one day and they ended up helping to pick up nylon but I have built it all myself. It isn’t finished yet, it needs to be shaped better with a head, tail, fins etc., but after winding all this winter’s collection in I took it to Matt Pate at Taupo Rod and Tackle and we weighed and measured it. From nose to V in the tail it is 110cm and weighs 141b, 4oz or 6.5kg. That’s an awful lot of discarded nylon and a sad example of how fishermen look after the rivers.
Relaxing after a good days work are Deercullers, left to right Ken Willetts, Brutus ?, Roly Martin, Don McClunie and Dave McClunie at Junction Hut at the junction of the Waikare and Whakatane rivers in the then Urewera National Park in !967.
cies including kea, kākā and kārearea, long-tailed bats, and forest and green geckos make the Waitaha their home. Westpower has applied for a DOC concession to construct a weir just above the Morgan Gorge so it can extract water
and pipe it through a power station below Building a power this remote and West Coast river an environmental
tunnel to a the gorge. plant on untamed would be travesty.
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Trout Federation Opposes Waitaha Hydro Use
Scenic values high in Waitah
The NZ Federation of Freshwater Anglers has opposed an application by Westpower Limited for a hydro scheme on the Waitaha River on the West Coast. Steve Gerard spokesman for the
Federation said the Waitaha wilderness experience and retention of the valley’s values was important. “Fishing isn’t just about fishing. It’s the total experience. This area provides the opportunity for anglers to explore this fishery and enjoy the remote natural environment as it is. The development of a hydro scheme in this area will detract from that experience, particularly the development and siting of the power station itself and its supporting infrastructure. The proposal does not meet the purpose of the Conservation Act,” he said. The Waitaha River about 30 km south of Hokitika has an early run of sea run browns and holds varying numbers of good resident brown trout in stable pools. Trout spawning could be ad-
versely affected by the proposal. The NZ Federation of Freshwater Anglers valued and supported the protection of the natural environment, particularly on proposals that would have “irrevocable impacts” on the high natural values as this proposal would have on this wild river. Mitigation proposals by Westpower would not mitigate the impacts of the intrusion of manmade structures and altered river flows on this outstanding natural landscape.” “This is a truly wild river and its intrinsic character that includes the native flora and fauna would be permanently destroyed by imposing a hydro scheme on public conservation land,” said the Federation. “The Morgan Gorge is an outstanding natural feature and one of the most spectacular gorges in the country.” “The NZ Federation of Freshwater Anglers understands there is ample supply of electricity on the West Coast with recently upgraded lines capacity to bring more in as needed, which negates the need to impact on such a wild naturally outstanding place,” said the submission.
Call Out Your Council
over the deteriorating water quality in NZ lakes and rivers
Nationwide Rally on January 23rd 2017
Further information on this campaign can be found at: https://www.facebook.com/bungthebore/ or on the Federations Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/NZFFA
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17
Opinion
USA Election Shock - Lesson for NZ Outdoor Public?
by Tony Orman
The recent US election and Donald Trump’s stunning win could be an omen for the New Zealand fishing and hunting public. Hillary Clinton was the favourite but the American people got up, voted and showed they cared. Really the election was not Clinton versus Trump. It was the people via the vehicle Donald John Trump versus the right wing Establishment comprising rich corporates and an arrogant government. Widening gaps between “rich and poor” and a feeling of being trampled by the elite Establishment and a lack of equal opportunity provoked the people to get out and vote. Hold on. ‘Equal opportunity’, is meant to be the hallmark of NZ’s society. Equal opportunity with fishing and hunting is what the first European settlers set up in their New Zealand colony. The settlers set up laws that prohibited selling freshwater fishing and shooting rights. The new egalitarian structure for the new colony was for the people in total, not just an elite upper class. The public ownership of fishing and shooting is a legacy. There have been some erosion such as pheasant preserves strangely blessed by Fish and Game NZ, charging shooting fees that the majority of Kiwis cannot afford. There have been fishing guides buying ‘exclusive access’ rights to top trout rivers. Rebellion But the Trump election was very arguably a rebellion by the people against the wealthy elite and
government that treated people within disdain. In New Zealand, the National-led government is ramming through laws to set up the TPPA. What’s the TPPA? The TPPA is an international agreement to change the rules of international trade and investment — and even national laws — in a way that favours big business and undermines the public interest. Trump is anti-TPPA but the New Zealand government is still pressing ahead and without reference to the people. Another example is government’s current plan to overhaul the Resource Management Act (RMA) RMA Overhaul The RMA changes will shove local councils aside and give government extreme powers to set standards lowering river quality standards from ‘swimmable’ to ‘boatable and wadeable.” Government can proceed apace with its mainly corporate dairying expansion in low rainfall areas like Canterbury and the MacKenzie Basin with massive irrigation drawoffs from the aquifer and directly or indirectly from rivers - the public’s trout streams. Some trout rivers will become a trickles or dry riverbeds as evidenced by the demise of Canterbury’s Selwyn River, once a premier dry fly stream. The controversial 1080 programme with greater central government control gained by the RMA changes may be ramped up to fulfill the need for profit from government’s SOE 1080 centre.
Sea fishing with an inept Ministry continuing to mismanage stocks in favour of commercial corporate companies. Lame ministers will welcome anytime their corporate buddies who in turn make substantial donations to the government party or parties of the day. So what can the people do? Perhaps nothing but get trampled over, treated like dog faeces and watch arrogant government with its corporate cronies rule the roost and degrade the environment. Shades of the USA. The Opportunity Well next year is election year. But that will not be much use if the public continue to adopt an attitude of indifference. Collectively it’s estimated a million plus Kiwis fish, hunt, shoot and hike. Fishing has five times more participants than rugby - the number one sport -a very large voting bloc. But it has slumbered through the apathy - in essence it is a “sleeping giant.” Only collective decisive action at the polls in 2017 like happened in the USA in 2016, can halt the decline. But currently apathy is rife. In the last two elections - a bit more, a bit less one million New Zealanders did not exercise their right to vote. The words of a Greek philosopher are relevant. “The price of apathy towards public affairs is to be ruled by evil men.” Plato (427—347 BC) I;, not necessarily suggesting MPs are evil. But they are deliberately or out of ignorance and arrogance, ignoring the people.
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Christmas at the Creel Tackle House & Café, Turangi www.creeltackle.com
a recent catch, one of six in an hour
Greetings from Turangi, an amazing year of fishing I think, the photograph below a recent catch, one of six in an hour, 2 were spent the others ok but this one?, Czech nymphing of course, HANAK Rod Reel and Sunray Euro line.
Below a summer Brown double figures.
By now there will have been some good Browns landed. The
month of November was a time of all seasons twice a day, including snow on the Kaimanawa ranges, one period of high water 200 cumecs, perfect. I should like to address an article last month entitled “Tongariro ruined by Genesis flooding” by Mike Perring, how sad, living in the past in my view. I also fished in the 80’s, Breakaway, Boulder all those places, I looked at my diary from those years, lo and behold I am catching the same numbers and size of fish as I did then, take a look at my web site creeltackle.com. By now I hope to have loaded a bunch
of photographs taken this year. A bit late to be grizzling about the dams on the Tongariro, they have been there for over 30 years, learn some new techniques, grab some new gear, learn to adapt. Sunray Lines, as Lefty Kreh would say, we won’t sell you one, cast one it will sell itself? You will not believe how far and easily you will cast. Lively Legz flies and material should be in by now, see liveltlegz.com just like the real thing. Echo fly Rods lifetime guarantee on all models, once again cast one they sell themselves. The weekend with Tim Rajeff was a very successful event with a large turn out to listen to one of fly fishing’s top rod makers, dispelling a few myths about fly rods, demonstrating others, casting instruction etc etc. The Gecko rod for beginners is outstanding, I would have no problem using one myself. A combo package at $299 plus the guarantee of course. Korker wading boots size 13 only left, the lightest boot you will ever wear, easy on easy off no laces special at $300. We have just added a range of “very different” gift ware to our shop, shall we say it keeps the ladies happy, take a peek at the web site. The upper Tongariro River Fishing season opens Dec 1 this is an outstanding place whether you raft or fish it, my trip is booked eh ha. Get into some summer fishing on the Tongariro it can be outstanding, short pants, wading boot, lunch just do it.
Greetings from Turangi Some questions for you, Fly Fishing enthusiasts Want to cast further? yes/no Cast easier into the wind? yes/no Would you like to mend your line easier? yes/no Would you like a line which is easier to lift off the water? yes/no Would you like to reduce the effort to get a cast out? yes/no Would you like a line that presents better onto water? yes/no Read on dear reader, A friend and I went fishing on a wide pool of the Tongariro recently, he a very experienced angler. We had landed a number of fish each, almost time to go, I invited Mike to use my new Sunray 5 wt floating line, he handed me his 7 wt setup and proceeded to cast my line, having explained the technique to apply, two casts he was short of the far bank by around 2.5 metres, not that long casts are really required but is done effortlessly none the less.
We are the only supplier of theses awesome lines in New Zealand, in stock are 5,6,7 weight floating lines, 5,6,7 weight intermediate sinking and the amazing Czech nymph line. Sunray fly lines micro thin and low diameter fly lines come and demo one or call us to order one 07 3867929. Czech Nymphing - Would you ski today with wooden ski’s of course not, fly fish with an old cane rod probably not, Would you play golf without lessons (possibly), so if you want to Czech nymph properly why would you not use the correct gear, designed by the people who have been doing it the longest and who have been world champions many times, you should be feeling the nymphs rolling along the river bed, detecting each little touch, catching all your fish in the top lip. HANAK Czech nymph Rods and Reels, Flurocarbon, Tungsten beads. The Alpine Nymph and Champion Rods both extendable from 9ft 6 in to 10ft and 11ft.
5 weights work fine on the Tongariro, anything heavier does not work. We are the Central North Island Stockists. Welcome to come and demo one. For me it is the ultimate, catching most of my fish in water I did not normally fish, it enables me to fish away from other anglers which I prefer, particularly the Hinemaiaia as is a bit like a dredging ground. Runs of fish on the Tongariro have as predicted been later this year, in my view it is always good regardless of the time of year, have heard of some nice browns showing up which in fact is a little early, simply move around and fish faster water for better fish. Fish are being caught on dry flies late afternoon. Tightlines
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Iconic Backcountry River Saved
Hamish Carnachan with an upper Oreti River treasure.
Southland Fish & Game has hailed as a “great outcome” for all of Southland an Environment Court ruling in its favour over the Oreti River valley. They opposed the Around the Mountains Cycle Trail’s planned route through the valley, a world renowned trout fishing location. And appealed to the Environment Court against an independent commissioner’s decision to grant
consents to the Southland District Council (SDC) for stage two of the trail. The Court decision has now allowed the appeal, effectively halting the consents that had been granted. Chairman of the Southland Fish and Game Council Graeme Watson says it’s an excellent outcome for not only anglers, but all of Southland “because it saves one of the
most iconic backcountry areas.” The judgement upholds our case, stating that unmodified rivers are “limited, finite and highly valuable recreational assets,” he says. Mr Watson says Fish & Game always supported the alternative route proposed and attempted to work constructively with the District Council, but to no avail. “We even offered to contribute funding towards the alternative Mararoa option, rather than go to court, but unfortunately this was not accepted.” “The Environment Court ruling in no way prevents the SDC completing the trail as there may be more than one viable route down the Mararoa Valley, the Environment Court judgement says”. This had been Fish & Game’s suggestion right from the start with evidence gathered indicating that that it would be as scenic, as well as cheaper to build and maintain. Mr Watson says that Fish & Game had never been anti the trail, and promoted the alternative in the full belief that its adoption would be in the best interests of the SDC and Southland’s ratepayers.
Spears & Gaff Seized From Poachers In the second incident last month, a group of men were found in the same area of the upper Utuhina Stream, and this time a large fishing gaff was seized. Charges have been laid against two men over the matter. “There’s only one way to fish for trout and that’s armed with a rod and reel and a current fishing licence – and fishFish & Game Communications Advisor Grant Dyson shows the ing an approved area. “If you’re caught with a latest seizures from poachers. rough and ready spear Fish & Game officers say its high or similar in a spawning stream there time would-be poachers learn a les- is no defence – and you’ll likely face son from court penalties – and give serious charges,” Mr van Dorp says. up trying to poach trout, especially It is pleasing to see the courts from protected spawning streams. are continuing to take a strong In the first of two cases last month, line on people who are intwo Rotorua men were intercepted volved in trout poaching, he says. by Police allegedly poaching in the Back in May three Rotorua men upper Utuhina Stream – a closed were intercepted in possession of spawning area – and two spears made from aluminium poles were seized. Fish & Game Officer Anthony van Dorp says the end of the poles had been fashioned into points, and the spears were seized without incident. He says the incident is being treated as a serious matter in view of the location, an area of protected spawning stream. The pair have now been summoned to appear in court. “The spawning streams are closed to fishing for good reason – so that as many trout can spawn successfully as possible. “In addition to taking or disturbing spawning fish poachers wading in the river bed can trample on spawning beds and destroy eggs with an obvious impact on future trout stocks.”
17 trout poached from a closed spawning stream at Lake Rotoiti. They trio appeared in court late last month and pleaded guilty to possession of illegally taken trout. “ Judge Snell sentenced them each to 100 hours of community work which sends a clear message that even being in possession of poached trout, especially from spawning streams, is a matter taken seriously both by Fish & Game officers and the courts.” Mr van Dorp says that officers have also dealt with a number of people found fishing without a licence recently. In one case, the angler made a false claim that they did have a licence. “The message here is quite clear; if you want to fish for trout get a licence, fish legally – that is using permitted methods – and in areas which are open to anglers to fish in – not protected spawning waters which hold the future of our trout fisheries.”
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Letters to editor DoC unbelievably irresponsible Dear Sir
Times” approached Doc for comment after a reader photographed a dead yellow-crowned parakeet, or kakariki, near the Dart River on October 31. The bird was on the ground a few metres from a 1080-laced pellet. But DoC did not want to know and did not care. All Doc Wakatipu operations manager Geoff Owen could say was 1080 control operations were designed to minimize by-kill of native wildlife, and its research showed few native birds were poisoned. I would like to see some peer reviewed research that show native birds benefit from the use of 1080 poison. One small study on kea at Okorito found that 70% of monitored kea were poisoned. The benefits for native birds of using 1080 for pest control far outweigh the costs, the Department of Conservation says. It is like a stuck gramophone record. “Without pest control these species would continue to decline.” Same old mantra. Same old rubbish. DoC are lacking elementary knowledge of predators, prey and food chains. Rats have been here for 800 years Stoats and ferrets 150 years or more. If birds were going to be wiped out by these predators they would have been gone within 20 years of rat or ferret introductions. Things were right in balance for most of 20th century, i.e. 1900s. Birds were everywhere. But since DOC was formed in 1987, it has ramped up 1080. Birds are disappearing. What does DoC say? “duh!” Idiots! Idiot ministers like Nick Smith and Maggie Barry do not understand either. They believe the DoC bureaucrats without question. So it means every one of you readers should be making Barry, Smith and DoC bureaucrats accountable. Get out there make a noise of radio talkback, with letters to editors with Facebook, anywhere public. Spotlight of public scrutiny on them non-stop!. We employ Smith, Barry and DoC with our hard earned taxes. They are public servants. Remind them time and time again.
With the Trout Fishing season opening recently DoC is advising anglers to avoid eating fish caught in catchments where aerial 1080 drops have occurred if they have concerns. But, the director-general Lou Sanson said although the levels found so far have exceeded the standards set by the Food Standards Guideline, the risk to humans is very low. So they say the risk is small however it is still a risk, some people are more susceptible than others, what might be a small risk to you could kill someone else, allergies are prove enough of that kind of thinking, because some people can handle eggs and dairy products while others get a violent reaction, so the risk is not at all small it is just another one of their cavalier attitudes if it does not kill you its ok He said concerned people can take a ‘zero risk’ approach by not eating fish caught in catchments where aerial 1080 drops have occurred. What Sanson forgets is that people use our rivers and national parks for recreational pursuits. Fish & Game are also warning anglers about possible 1080 contamination and to take a responsible approach, also advising anglers not to eat fish caught in areas where DoC has been dumping 1080. Fish & Game chairperson Lindsay Lyons says they are just being cautious. “We haven’t got the science really behind it yet, we just don’t know, but I think as Fish & Game we’ve got to take a responsible approach to it. There could be an issue, we just don’t know at this present point in time.” They haven’t got the science behind it, but dump it anyway. This is unbelievably irresponsible. These people shouldn’t be in control of anything, let alone a deadly poison. Hundreds of people are buying licences and then they turn around and advise against eating the trout – this is the reason many go trout fishing – to eat the fish. The fact that they are now publicly advising of potential is great. Many go camping Jimmy Watson and use the water from our rivers to make a cuppa, so what do they suggest that we carry in water to use. NZ Fish & Game Council DoC are completely and utterly Dear Editor out of sync with the recreational users of our rivers and parks. When the NZ Fish & Game Council B. Smith was launched in 1987 it was greeted with widespread approval - because Auckland the vast majority of trout fishermen and gamebird hunters believed DoC’s Blind Eye that it would be a major professional improvement to the historic The Department of Conservation Acclimatization Society structure. has refused to do an autopsy on a Sadly, what has happened is far parakeet found near the Dart River from removed from that and havafter a 1080 drop. The “Otago Daily ing been a Wellington Acclimatiza-
tion Society Councilor for 15-years, a dedicated waterfowl hunter since 1967 and one who has spent a lifetime of involvement in environmental matters, I have, since 1987, witnessed the massive deterioration in gamebird hunting and trout fishing opportunities, together with the deterioration of our wetlands and rivers; which, according to scientific information are now so polluted that they are unlikely to ever recover; in spite of the NZ Fish & Game Council spending over $50 million of license holders money on environmental legal matters. But on top of this our gamebird hunting opportunities are, as a result of steel shot (Southland Fish & Game Council has voted to ban the use of lead shot in all gauges!), long hunting seasons, high capacity semi-auto shotguns and, above all, a quite incredible degradation of habitat, it is very likely that gamebird hunting opportunities will soon disappear – in association with the demise of the NZ Fish & Game Council; a group that all dedicated gamebird hunters and trout fishermen believe is on another planet to normal people! If any readers would like more detailed information please contact me. Neil Hayes QSM RD 2 CARTERTON 06 3796692
Start doing your job Dear Sir
The New Zealand Government including Nick Smith, Maggie Barry and John Key are causing Animals to suffer a prolonged extremely painful death. It’s a well-known fact that most people that rape, torture & kill woman for pleasure started off as kids torturing animals to death. The people mentioned above, and all persons involved in the use of 1080 to slowly torture animals to death need to look deep into their souls and ask themselves, what kind of person am I? What kind of example is the NZ Government displaying to every young person in NZ when by your actions you say it’s ok to slowly torture an animal to death? I’d like to actually ask these Members of Parliament that are involved in the 1080 scandal what part of democracy they don’t actually understand. Social media and most community newspapers and those that aren’t controlled by government are against the use of 1080. We have had protests and petitions yet they choose to ignore them. As members of Parliament they have a responsibility for NZ jobs, NZ workers Their job is to represent the public.
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The people who elected you and not the twisted and warped pro 1080 science, which has more truthful science that refutes the arguments. Until John Key is made aware that he serves the people and he was elected into that position by those people, we as a people need to remind this to him and make him realize that. Real Prime Ministers do what the people and the Country wants for the betterment of all. Start doing your job. If you don’t like it, clear off. We will vote you out!! Bruce Smith Auckland
Balanced ecological approach needed Dear Sir
It’s not just our inshore, the whole relationship with fish needs to change, not just locally but globally, and there is no sustainable model that works except a vastly increased non-take and a balanced ecological approach to managing
fishing grounds that are utilized. If we don’t act soon, the ocean will act for us, and the next generation will not have the opportunity to do anything about it. Environmental legislation is evolving to address these activities and influences. Fishing regulations 2013 have created a restrictive framework and compliance is increase substantively, however fundamentally the systems have failed the community for the past 30 years and I do believe there needs to be a comprehensive review of the over arching management. The only way talk and negotiation is going to have an effect is if both parties are willing to adapt their view to make change. Unfortunately this is not the case. The government has no interest in scaling back operations or commercial and economic gain. They have done very well in reducing local market demand in our fishery to enable export increases. Take away our people’s demand for fish, minimize our voice, give
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the indigenous just enough power to corrupt them and take full control with the people’s ignorance. A few of us know what has happened, is happening and is going to happen, but without strategically marketing our fishery to the general public, we too have fallen victim to infighting and division. Protest is very effective when the masses know what they are fighting for. Too many kiwi families have accepted that our fish in the shops is as good as it gets and in 30 years a whole generation has been suppressed through non marketing of our resource in our own country. This is where our strategic focus should be and needs to be for the long term success of our fishery. By marketing our fishery to the wider public correctly and increasing local demand we will create a stronger voice. Simply telling the people facts of what is happening will not encourage them to stand up and take back what is theirs because they don’t Story continued on next page...
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Story continued...
see fresh fish as a staple anymore. If a mass protest is the route we wish to take then this is where we need to begin in my opinion. Rebuild our fishery as a staple to everyone’s diet. A global mentality shift towards the way our oceans resources and environment needs to change. There has been many successful advocate groups for change but strategically none so far have managed to physically show the population what we have is worth protecting and fighting for. Yes, the information and facts put in front of them has been spot on and most you talk to know that something needs to change. But why are they not passionate enough to fight? To change the laws and stop the lies we need the public to be angry and the only way to get there is by reinstating seafood as a part of their weekly shop. TA Sayers
Winston for PM
The new president elect of the USA, Donald Trump thought that the media never said a good word for him and the polls in the media painted a grim picture. Main stream media pushed a 98% chance that Clinton would win. This battle wasn’t about a man versus a woman it was about the people versus corporates. Just like the Philippines, Britain and Australia the people won the day. John Key is doing his best to celebrate a surplus at a time when, the doctors, Ambulance and health providers are on strike. Hospitals are running out of staff, police are running out of cars, the fire service big red trucks broke down again. So he did what any corporate would do he grabbed with both greedy hands onto NZ’s largest free product producer, the ocean. MPI looked the other way while those already on the rich list pillage and discarded its way through
our premium fishery resources. But it went wrong. The commercial fishers got caught dumping the fish by recreational anglers, who splashed it all over social media. The method of bulk harvesting made a premium product into an inferior low-value white fish and instead of the fishery doubling the export value it only made an extra $200 million, and I think that was more of a book entry because they were embarrassed. After they had done such a good job upsetting 600,000 recreational fishers they thought they would finish the job and upset the rest of the fish eating population by putting up the retail price of Snapper $38/40 kg and Blue Cod $38/42kg, then celebrating it in the media. This Govt is about to learn that if you put you greedy corporate hands on our recreational fish, you will pay the price. NZ First all the way. Rhys Smith Thames
Trident Cameras a joke Dear Sir
The Minister has only just realized that it might be a good idea to put cameras on all 1200 commercial fishing boats because they might be dishonest. Really, by their own admissions they are dishonest. When you consider that MPI has been busted hiding the evidence of dumping fish and losing camera footage, you can only conclude that not ‘having’ to add surveillance was on purpose. The minister mentions that the new cameras will mean they can still be seen by them when out of sight of land. Is he really worried about what’s happening out of sight of land, what does he know that he’s not saying? Guy says he is pleased that the new net system (PSH) has the potential to reduce the waste.
Good grief are they still playing with this wonder net having spent millions on it and it still hasn’t reduced the waste. So nothing has changed. He is going to review the Fisheries Act to make it possible to better enforce the fishery. I cannot believe he is blaming the Fisheries Act. That is rubbish and a complete cop out. We have all seen the evidence of the dead Dolphin and the 60% discarding from the Timaru boats. Come on Guy get your act together. Brian Simpson Whanganui
Do Your Homework OSPRI! Farmers are being fed a load of hogwash by OSPRI (ex-Animal Health Board) over possums and predators. OSPRI are meant to be eradicating TB from cattle and deer farm herds but they have jumped over on to the Predator Free NZ bandwagon which is outside their duty. Never mind their efforts are laughable. But hold on! It is not so funny as OSPRI is funded by public money through government grants and then levies on farmers’ stock slaughtered. I saw an example of OSPRI’s newfound enlightenment into biodiversity. It said under the OSPRI banner, “introduced mammals like possums and rats have caused the decline of many native invertebrates — the biodiversity benefits of using 1080 to control possums eventually restore their native habitat, though invertebrates can be affected in the process.” OSPRI need to go back to school. Predators exist everywhere. The moas were preyed on by Haast eagle and Maori. Only thing Maori’s (man) did not have foresight and exterminated the moa by killing and destruction of habitat. Why have OSPRI a hatred of possum presumably because it is “introduced.” Man was introduced first about 1350 (Maori) then about 1840 (European).
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Are not farm animals OSPRI is concerned with like cattle and deer “introduced.” I note OSPRI cautiously admit “invertebrates (e.g. insects) can be affected in the process (of aerial 1080). Are OSPRI recognizing the work of the entomologist the late Mike Meads who in a study in Taranaki warned of invertebrate and organism destruction by 1080? Well DOC did not want to know that so they rubbished Meads and his work. But well done OSPRI for recognizing 1080 does kill invertebrates and of course birds etc. OSPRI of course should be wound up. The international guideline for TB-free is 0.2% infection. New Zealand has been well below this for over 10 years yet the taxpayer and farmers have been shelling out. Another question why do NZ Federated Farmers support fictitious nonsense OSPRI spews out?
to do the medium and long term science around what’s going to occur around here. This is more a measure that’s going to be in place for probably the next two weeks.” Vincent says that they’ve only been allowed to have 30 divers and 6 people that control those divers. It is astoundingly obvious that MPI does not have an answer to and environmental emergency and its management doesn’t have the competence to go outside its operating manuals to deal with one. The Fishery Act 1996 has a section in it called emergency measures, it has the answers. It took MPI four days for them to realize Mike Vincent might know what he is talking about. We must have an independent inquiry and heads should roll.
“Farmer Joe” Hawkes Bay
Paua volunteers hindered A group of the volunteer paua relocation workers lead by Mike Vincent have been hindered in their work by the MPI. After four days of sitting around they have finally been given the ‘go ahead’ to return to work Mike Vincent says, “We can actually do our job now - what we came here for, and we want to get in the water, move some paua and save some paua.” After having relocated 56 tonnes of paua over last weekend, they were stopped by MPI and could have moved twice that amount. Meanwhile the MPI have dillydallied around setting up a science research project to set a place to restore and regenerate the sea life. Finally it was agreed that will be carried out at Omihi, a sacred area in Ngāti Kuri territory. MPI CEO Ben Dalton says, “We’ve announced a $2m science budget
MPI Dumb or Dumber
Who was the dumb arse that said stop? the MPI. Who were the spectators watching other people save the Paua? the MPI. Who was the dumbest brainless imbecile in the entire country that took four days to come up with a management plan? the MPI? Who was it that had the subintelligence of a sea cucumber and stopped the people who did have a plan? the MPI. The locals worked it out straight away that the paua and crayfish were in serious trouble and that was enforced with the next high tide, that left hundreds of tonnes of paua out of the water. Who the hell have we got in parliament capable of reacting to an emergency?, no one. This election if an MP wants to kiss your baby or buy a box of chocolates for your wife, ask them what skills have you got to run the country. The answer may be “none but I have a beautiful smile that looks good on a bill board” I’m with you guys at this paper MPI just don’t have a clue. Brian Jones, Wellington
Dear Sir
I really thought that you guys at this newspaper had gone OTT with your relentless attacks on MPI. If you look at a lot of the issues they are not straight forward at all. Everybody seems to be greedy, in their want for seafood and doesn’t want the other group to have allocated so much of the fishery. Will the recreational ever agree with commercial or customary on anything? Until now I would have said no. The Kaikoura earthquake is a disaster for the people and the seafood, the country’s hearts went out to both. For the first time in NZ history recreational - commercial - customary and the consumers of seafood as well as the animal cruelty people said as one voice SAVE THE PAUA and CRAYS.
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ing the shoreline, fishing or simply relaxing. The boats are specially designed and manufactured to the highest standard and are rated for four adults however they are best suited for two adults and 2-3 children. The Lagoona Loungers is designed as a low speed catamaran, to be used close to the shoreline for a snorkeling, swimming or diving platform or just to laze around having a bit of motorized fun. They are very easily adapted as a fly fishing or duck shooting platform.
The boat is powered by a 24 volt electric outboard motor powered by two 24-volt long life batteries. Each boat is equipped with an HD 1000 TV line underwater colour video Camera with a 5” screen. This allows any age group to experience the colourful marine life without getting wet. There is space for a chilly bin and many waterproof lockers for valuables, dry clothes, towels etc. The boat comes in five colours, orange, blue, red, green and yellow with a camouflage design for shooters. Boats can be purchased outright or leased. Boats will be maintained at your location. For more information Call Mike on 0276 001 249.
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21
Problems with the draft Marine Mammal Risk Assessment This risk assessment has a number of errors in it, most of which result in over-estimating the sustainable level of human impact on marine mammals and needs substantial work. Population surveys need to be conducted for the more common species and more extensive literature reviews need to be carried out on the very rare species (e.g. stranding record for beaked whales and other rare species). One of the most critical problems is that the values used in the MMRA have been calculated incorrectly, leading to a substantial upward bias in the assumed sustainable level of human impact. For most marine mammal species in NZ waters no population estimates are available. For others there are problems with the population estimates. For example, the method used to calculate the most recent Hector’s dolphin population estimates is known to cause “blow outs” resulting in estimates of millions or Hector’s dolphins. The Scientific Committee of the International Whaling Commission
has encouraged further research to resolve these issues which the government has largely ignored. For the common species, population surveys need to be conducted and for the very rare species, a much more extensive literature and database survey is required. Sustainable limits on bycatch should not be calculated at the level of the species. Some methods used are designed to be calculated for individual populations or fisheries while others methods used calculate the species as a whole. If fishing pressure is higher on the east coast of the South Island than the west coast, including the dolphins off the west coast in the population estimates for one method of calculation means that the dolphin population would be depleted. Protected areas should not be included in estimates as to do so will result in the equivalent of abolishing the protected areas. Basically, this means that dolphins inside the protected areas will need to make up for the losses outside
MPI says ‘Killing dolphin’ okay by Graham Carter
New Zealand is about to set quotas on marine mammal deaths in commercial fishing. Yes, you heard that right! According to MPI it is sustainable to catch 135 Hector’s dolphins per year. This will be news to the public of New Zealand – who might have thought that these animals are protected. We have a Marine Mammal Protection Act after all. It is also news to independent scientists working to save Hector’s and Maui dolphins, beaked whales and other marine mammals in New Zealand waters. MPI has done it again! How to supersize your estimate of the sustainable number of marine mammal deaths in fishing? MPI could give a master class on this subject. First, you supersize your population size estimates. Use a method for population surveys that are known to
“blow out” which results in ridiculous population estimates – such as 7 billion dolphins on the east coast of the South Island. Then you supersize the number of dolphins you allow the fishermen to catch All the while, pretending to the public that the government actually cares about these protected species. Hector’s dolphin is listed by our government as endangered and Maui dolphin as Critically Endangered. It is lunacy that anyone would even be discussing a sustainable level of fisheries deaths for these animals. Let alone, that the government would be fiddling the numbers while these dolphins continue on their path to extinction. Apparently a handful of jobs in commercial fishing are more important than protecting endangered dolphins. Go figure.
The Sport Fly Fishing New Zealand National Pairs title held at Lake Rotoaira was taken out by Tim Anderson and Dan Comer, with Peter Scott (left) representing Rod and Reel the main sponsors. Pairs: Dan and Tim 1st, John and Tarn 2nd, Billy and Tim 3rd. Individual: Dan 1st, Paul 2nd, Billy 3rd Biggest Fish: John Bell 59 cm.
the protected areas, which defeats the purpose of the protected area. The purpose of the protected areas is to reduce human impacts to sustainable levels by eliminating gillnet bycatch and reducing trawl bycatch. Fisheries mortality needs to be sustainable in the areas where gillnet and trawl fisheries still overlap with dolphins. At fewer than 100, Maui dolphin is literally teetering on the brink of extinction And allowing Hector’s and Maui dolphin populations to “flat line” is an inappropriate management goal which clearly demonstrates the governments lack of interest. Marine mammal bycatch is estimated as an average over a 20 year timeframe. The reason given in the MMRA is that “this time period reduces the uncertainty associated with inter-annual variation. Twenty years is far too long a timeframe. The inter-annual variation represents the true uncertainty of the bycatch estimates. Marine mammal deaths reported as “released alive” were removed
from the estimate of bycatch, which means that the “released alive” statistics are not reliable. For example, for Hector’s dolphin the number of observed individuals released alive is very low. Yet, for the video camera estimates the proportion released alive suddenly increases to around 50%. Dolphins still moving when released do not necessarily survive the experience. There are no data on whether these individuals survive the day or the year, or have reduced reproductive success. It is simply not credible for 50% of the Hector’s dolphins caught to be still alive. These would have had to be caught in sight of the observer or fisherman, while the net was being hauled. They only last a few minutes without being able to breathe and would not survive capture unless it was during hauling, very close to the boat. Most Marine mammal mortalities are not reported by observers which causes an under-estimate of the actual number of mortalities. This includes times that there is an
observer on board the fishing vessel, but they are not watching the fishing gear being hauled and therefore are missing marine mammal captures, a marine mammal falling out of a gillnet before the net comes into view of the observer or the video camera and that video monitoring data is not fully analysed. For most marine mammals in NZ waters there are insufficient distribution data to accurately estimate the overlap between their distribution and fishing effort using methods that cause marine mammal mortality. The commercial fishing effort in the Manukau Harbour was assumed not to overlap with Maui dolphins. The lack of location data for fishing effort in the Manukau does not support this approach. There is no reason to assume that none of the fishing effort in the Manukau overlaps with Maui dolphins. The data on Maui dolphin distribution show that they use the Manukau Harbour. The data are not sufficiently detailed to indicate that they do not use the inner parts of the harbour where
gillnet fishing is still legal. In other words, there could be complete overlap of gillnet fishing and Maui dolphins in the Manukau Harbour. The MMRA assumes that groups of marine mammals have similar catch rates. One of these groups consists of all baleen whales, sperm whale and pygmy sperm whale. Another group, called blackfish, includes orca, long-finned and short-finned pilot whales and false killer whale. The dolphin group includes common, bottlenose, dusky, hourglass, Hector’s, Maui and southern right whale dolphin. The international literature should be consulted on whether it is reasonable to assume that all beaked whales and all of the species in the other groups have similar catch rates in the same fishing gear. This issue is sufficiently important to the management of New Zealand marine mammal population and NZ’s international reputation to give it the time it deserves.
Dolphin bycatch not robust
The dolphin bycatch data in the MfE report are not scientifically robust. The report’s conclusions are based on the DOC database of dolphin deaths, which includes a mixture of dolphins found dead on beaches, voluntary reports by fishermen and catches “observed” by government observers or video cameras on fishing vessels. The problem is, this is a very small tip of the iceberg of the actual numbers of dolphins killed in fishing nets. The level of observer coverage is extremely low. Fishermen report about 1% of the dolphin deaths and the government reports about 5% of the dolphin deaths to the public of NZ and to international agencies like the International Whaling Commission. Therefore, the statement “Bycatch of Hector’s and Maui dolphins has decreased over the last decade.” The document is not supported by the available data. We simply do not know how many dolphins are being killed in fishing nets each year, let alone whether the number is increasing, decreasing or has stayed the same over the last decade. There has been no government estimate of the number of dolphins killed since 2008, and that estimate (by NIWA) was based on an observer programme carried out in 1997-98. The level of observer coverage since 1998 has been far too
low to estimate the number of Hector’s and Maui dolphins killed in fishing nets, let alone determine if the number has changed over the last decade. There is only one area (east coast South Island) where there is any data on which to base such an estimate since 1998, and the government has not yet provided an estimate of the number of dolphins killed since 2008. That estimate was 110-150 Hector’s and Maui dolphins per year, during the period 2000-2006. The NIWA report, which presented the last official bycatch estimate for Hector’s and Maui dolphins, should have been referred to in the MfE report that has just been released. Instead, the only three references in the dolphin bycatch section of the MfE report are the DOC database (problems with which are discussed above and below), an online encyclopedia and a book on whale and dolphin social systems. The report indicates that the data are deficient: “However, limitations to the data mean we cannot estimate the size of this decrease.” That’s the under-statement of the year. The consulting company who analyse the bycatch data for MPI have stated repeatedly during the last decade that they are unable to estimate bycatch of Hector’s and Maui dolphin because the level of observer coverage is far too low. The report basically amounts to spin. This is painting a very positive picture of a situation that is in reality a serious conservation issue about which far too few data are being gathered to be able to draw the conclusions
that are drawn in the MfE report. “In addition, numbers of Maui dolphins are now so low that the probability of a dolphin being caught has also diminished”. The situation with Maui dolphins is that the population is now so small that it has become impossible to monitor population trends. The Maui dolphin population has declined by 3% per year since 1985. At this stage it is impossible to answer the question of whether the Maui dolphin population is continuing to decline at that rate. To detect this with any kind of statistical confidence would take several decades. By the time you get down to fewer than 100 individuals, it simply becomes difficult to the point of impossible to be able to detect small population declines. The catch 22 is that if they do continue to decline for another decade or two, at 3% per annum, there will be none left. On the other hand very large population declines would be detectable sooner. For example a decline by 50% would be detectable within 10-15 years or so. But again, by the time you have detected the decline it will be too late. This is not to say that there should be no population monitoring at all. But to wait for the results of that monitoring before we implement the IWC recommendation for better protection would amount to monitoring the extinction of Maui dolphins rather than preventing it. The International Whaling Commission’s Scientific Committee put it like this in their 2016 report: “15.3 Progress on previous recommendations The Scientific Committee has increasingly
expressed concern and recommended conservation and management measures regarding different Critically Endangered species, subspecies and populations of cetaceans. Such cases include the vaquita, Maui dolphins and the already extinct baiji. The Scientific Committee has repeatedly recommended stringent management measures rather than additional research and has clearly specified the geographical boundaries within which impacts need to be managed or avoided. However, there has often been insufficient or no management response to the recommended protection measures. Instead of implementing effective management actions, efforts have focussed on more research, often leading to merely confirming a severe decline rather than preventing it. In 2013 and 2014, the Scientific Committee was very clear regarding the need to eliminate bycatch immediately and not wait to collect more data for a number of cases considered below. Further research may continue but should not be interpreted as a substitute for management action. All the scientific results underline that the first priority should be to implement immediate management actions to eliminate bycatch, accompanied by research and monitoring to determine the effectiveness of these measures.”
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Work hard and go fishing By Rhys Smith
This is a bit more political than I was ever expecting to write. I was just wondering how many NZ’s understand about this growth thing the politicians are going on about and how it is likely to affect us. What we have at the moment is 3.8% growth and a $1.7B surplus. That is supposed to be good in compared to other countries. I have been involved with the fish fight adventure for a long time now so I have learned how to take a closer
look at the good news statements that come out of the Beehive. Primarily if it is truly good news who is it good news for and if there is a winner, is there a loser. How did this growth come about. I was quite shocked to learn what a growth windfall the Christchurch earthquake was for the Govt. The international insurance companies paid for the biggest infrastructure rebuild in NZ short history. The same thing happened in
Auckland, massive amounts of immigration piling into the city created shortages of everything add to this property investors buying up house’s to make a profit created a shortage of homes. This created more growth as tradespeople required unskilled labourers to build cheaply and quickly the houses the city needed. The people may complain but it’s more growth for the Govt and it didn’t require and earthquake. On
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the face of it this is where the 1.7B surplus came from. Sounds great so who are the losers. The people who are still without houses in Christchurch may disagree this anything but a disaster. The winners in Christchurch are the corporate builders of the corporate buildings. The Auckland people are the big losers as because of massive population increases have major housing and transport problems. Once again corporate is the big winners as they have changed the definition of home to investment property. Of course the other losers are the average kiwi that is not corporate who can’t afford private health care or
private schools for their children. The only thing I can think of, that may join the wealthy elite to the rest of us mere mortals is that if either group call an emergency service - Police/Fire/Ambulance. You may not get one for awhile if at all because they are all broke as well. The surplus will probably be used to subsidize tax cuts for lower and middle-class voters pre-election. I so hope these people don’t think that $10 extra in there pay packet a week can in any way make up for the consequences of the manner in which that 3.8% growth was obtained. The last person who tried to make
NZ a corporate based country was Roger Douglas and look how that turned out. Hong Kong is a corporate based country and they have whole communities living on the street. That’s where we are headed make no mistake. Put the surplus back where they stole it from the health and emergency services, put those poor souls in Christchurch in houses they can call homes and leave NZ as a commodity country as we have always been and leave us out of this stupid private corporate plan. All we really want to do is work hard and go fishing.
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Early Bird Bait & Tackle Report
Early Bird Bait & Tackle Report To say we have had it all would not be an understatement. Wind, Rain, Wind, Earthquakes, Wind, Tsunamis, very high tides and did I mention Wind. Come on ‘Big Un’ give us a break!!. I know everyone wants to get out there because the fishing is absolutely brilliant. For the ones who have made it, either through days off work or crying in sick, they have more than likely cleaned up with the quota in a matter of hours. The snapper are not as big as last month but there are some speci-
men fish getting caught, mostly from the mussel farms and further north above Colville. All of the charters have reported good catches and quotas with fish ranging from 35cm to 55cm with a few Gurnard as well. Most boaties will be catching Gurnard at the moment as they are in abundance here in the Firth. If you want to target them specifically, come and see me and I’ll show you a rig that works every time. I’ve attached a few photos to my report of just what you can expect to catch on a normal day. My granddaughter Katara is in one of the photos, holding up her prize Gurnard she caught just off the shore near Tapu. (She doesn’t want to hold it because it’s too smelly). At this time of year there are a lot of small sharks about and many of these congregate down in
the shallows. While they really can be a pest, small hammerheads can be used as bait so bear that in mind if you are running low on Squid and Pilchards. Snapper love to bite into a piece of hammerhead, no matter how it is presented to them. It will stay on the hook very easily and could possibly be an even better bait if it was salted down. If someone can let me know a bit more on this, I will pass the information on to one and all. As everyone prepares for Christmas, be aware that your partner still wants that rod or reel you promised them last year. Come and see me and let me know exactly what your requirement is and I’ll do my utmost to get it for you before Christmas comes around. Just to let you know that our ‘Fladen’ range of European rods and reels surpasses all other with quality and workmanship together with their flasher rigs and lures. Early Bird Bait & Tackle still carry a huge range of bait and berley and carry most in differ-
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ent sizes ranging from 1.5kg up to nearly 15kg (that’s for the big boys). I keep getting asked for Baby Squid on a daily basis. These are no longer available due to a world shortage and there are no plans at the moment to get them in again. I have also been told that Baby Salmon will not be available with effect. Apparently, scientists have found an enzyme in their stomach that they don’t want to pass on to sea fish so what you find in the bait shops will be the last. Some wholesalers have put up their bait prices quite considerably so expect an increase in the Bait & Tackle Shops. “It’s no good moaning to the retailer, it’s not his fault!!”. I have some MAF boat stickers if anyone wants one; these are the fish measures that you stick on your boat so that mistakes cannot be made over the size of fish taken. These are a necessity if you have no other means of measuring your catch so call in and grab one from me. With another long summer forecast for us I think we will have a bumper holiday season. Start preparing now, and get your gear all sorted and don’t be one of those who leave it all to the last minute. The traffic will be crazy up here soon and people will start getting impatient to get to their destination. All I will say is take it easy and if you are towing a boat or trailer, please give way to the faster traffic especially travelling to Coromandel Town and further up the coast. This is the last report before Christmas so I would like to thank all of my patrons, clients, customers or what ever you want to call them for keeping me sane on those early mornings when I open up at 4am for them. (Without you lot I wouldn’t have any stories to tell). Also to my regulars who keep me company on a Friday night when I stay open until 9pm for the late workers. Have a great Christmas and New Year, and look after yourselves. “Tight lines to all”.
23
A skinny little white Irishman gets into an elevator, looks up and sees this huge black guy standing next to him. The big guy sees the little Irishman staring at him. He looks down at the Irishman and says: “7 foot tall, 350 pounds, 20 inch penis, 6 pounds of testicles, Turner Brown” The little white Irishman faints dead away and falls to the floor. The big guy kneels down and brings him to, shaking him. The big guy says, “What’s wrong with you?” In a weak voice the little guy says, “What exactly did you just say to me?” The big dude says, “Well, I saw your curious look and I figured I’d just give you the answers to the questions everyone always asks me. I’m 7 foot tall, I weigh 350 pounds, I have a 20 inch penis, my testicles weigh 3 pounds each and my name is Turner Brown” The little white Irishman says: “Turner Brown? !... sweet jesus...I thought you said, “Turn around!”
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