New Zealand Fishing News

River warning after dog death

An Upper Hutt woman is warning dog owners to be cautious around the Manawatu River after her dog died mysteriously during an outing this week...

Kinloch's magic keeps drawing visitors back

At the head of Lake Wakatipu you'll find a small town filled every holiday season with campers, couples and families. Olivia Caldwell discovers why Kinloch is no longer a secret...

Long- time salmon angler turns to science

When 82-year-old John Hodgson heads out to fish the Waimakariri he doesn’t just take his fishing tackle, his thermometer and notebook are always handy too...

Waikato River Trails: Backcountry with hidden beauties

The Waikato River Trails section of the New Zealand Bike Trail opens up a beautiful tract of backcountry North Island. Made up of five trails that follow the Waikato River....

Stream pollution traced to leak on private property

Water found to be polluting the Mowhanau Stream is coming from a suspected portable water leak on private property, Wanganui District Council engineers have found...

Native fish at centre of hydro arguments

A native fish named Gollum will be back in the spotlight next year, at the centre of a battle over whether a hydro-electric dam could be built on the Nevis River...

Additional Upper Waitaki consent decisions released

Environment Canterbury has released a further nine Upper Waitaki consent application decisions which have been processed by a panel of independent hearing commissioners...

Arsenic found in riverfoods

Te Runanga o Arowhenua wants answers about the sources of contamination in foods gathered from some South Canterbury waterways....

Water options investigation announced in Wairarapa

A project to bring widespread irrigation to the Wairarapa has entered what instigators are calling “a new phase.”...

Top-quality water ES's aim

Declining water quality has been the defining issue for Environment Southland this year...

Check, Clean, Dry around lakes this summer

Check, Clean, Dry is a message you’ll come across if you’re out enjoying the Rotorua Lakes this summer...

Only 42% comply on water survey

The number of dairy farms that completely prevent stock access to waterways has been surveyed by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, with results showing much less compliance than previous findings...

Safety of sites to get food assessed

South Cantabrians are being warned to limit eating some fish caught in certain rivers in the area because of contamination from old pesticides and heavy metals....

Sacred Blue Lake's waters crystal clear

Blue Lake in Nelson Lakes National Park has clearer water than Golden Bay's renowned Te Waikoropupu (Pupu) Springs, Niwa scientists say...

Fonterra must explain self-reporting inaccuracy

Fonterra needs to explain the vast discrepancy between claims made today about the success of the Clean Stream Accord and the findings of an independent review commissioned by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) said Green Party Co-Leader Russel Norman...

Regional councillors could be replaced

Fish and Game is warning that the entire West Coast Regional Council could be replaced after its councillors ignored bias warnings to keep making prosecution decisions....

Fish and Game wins right not to limit evidence

Otago Fish and Game has won a legal victory in a decade-long battle with Pioneer Generation over the Nevis Valley...

Poison warning for South Canterbury kai

Maori in South Canterbury are being warned not to eat too much kai gathered from particular rivers and streams for fears they could be poisoned by mercury, arsenic and DDT....

Nelson Tasman Region Open for Visitors

The Nelson Tasman region is most definitely open,” says Lynda Keene, Chief Executive of Nelson Tasman Tourism, “and industry operators and DOC teams are keen to welcome returning visitors and new visitors to the region over the Christmas/New Year holiday period...

Treatment for Lake Okaro’s algal bloom

Bay of Plenty Regional Council has dosed Lake Okaro near Rainbow Mountain with a modified zeolite mineral to deal with toxic blue-green algal bloom visible in the lake...

New pest weed outbreak in Waikato

Waikato Regional Council staff are working to control a fresh outbreak of the aggressive plant pest Alligator Weed at Ruapuke Beach, between Raglan and Kawhia...

Be a Happy Hunter Gatherer this Christmas

The Rotorua lakes are all set to serve up one New Zealand’s more unique Christmas holidays – where the whole family can share in some of the hunter-gatherer excitement that trout fishing provides...

Lagoon news was 'bolt of lightning'

Some overseas visitors are using Department of When it was revealed that Southland's Waituna Lagoon was critically ill, the news came as a "bolt of lightening", local farmer Gerald Spain said...

Huts being misused

Some overseas visitors are using Department of Conservation huts in the Motueka area like "hotels" and overstaying their welcome, says a DOC staff member...

Exotic snail invasion alarms scientist

Demand for exotic aquarium pets has allowed the alien ear pond snail to morph from conversation piece to an invasive species...

Sounds teen wins opportunity for aquaculture study

Brook Lines is the inaugural winner of the Queen Charlotte College Aquaculture Academy New Zealand King Salmon Scholarship...

Hooked on Fly Fishing wins prize

PlanetFM's popular fishing programme 'Hooked on Flyfishing has been awarded a prize for being the secong most listened to programme...

Workshop discusses new strategy for Rotorua lakes

About 60 people from iwi groups, key stakeholders, community group representatives, district and regional councillors worked together to develop input into a new strategy for the Rotorua Te Arawa lakes...

Rotorua community supports weed control

Rotorua businesses, iwi, lakeside communities and recreational bodies have strongly supported Bay of Plenty Regional Council’s weed control operations on Rotorua lakes...

Vineyard ponds restocked with trout for display

About 80 rainbow trout have a haven in two ponds on an Omarama vineyard, safe from anglers and free to grow to a big size...

Aeration project planned for Rotoehu

A new intervention technique to prevent sediment releases of nitrogen and phosphorous from the beds of Rotorua’s lakes will be tried in Lake Rotoehu in late January...

Fish & Game: Smallest Release has Big Value

Tipping just 200 trout into a tiny North Island lake is the proverbial drop in a bucket for Fish & Game officers - who often release thousands at a time...

Water plans 'may not suit Southland'

Environment Southland chairman Ali Timms says the recommendations of a New Zealand Conservation Authority report into water quality may not be suitable for the region...

Outdoor recreation wins under UF agreement

UnitedFuture’s confidence and supply agreement with the National Party includes a number of important wins for outdoor recreation and conservation, UnitedFuture leader Peter Dunne said today...

Anglers Given Check, Clean Dry Reminder

Eastern Region Fish & Game has issued a strong ‘Check, Clean, Dry (CCD)’ reminder to anglers, after a number of Rotorua streams opened to fishing...

Battle rages over valley's future

A power company wants to dam the remote Nevis River in Otago at just about this spot. The debate is raging, including greenie versus greenie...

Australia takes fly fishing gold

The Snowy Mountains turned on just about every type of weather except snow for the 25 anglers participating in the 8th Oceania Fly Fishing Championships hosted by Fly Fish Australia New South Wales...

Rangitikei River a community asset

Rangitikei people are proud of the river and their district council wants to keep it that way...

Google Earth Shows How Dams Could Worsen Climate Change

A new interactive Google Earth video tour aims to teach people how damming rivers around the world can exacerbate climate change...

Warning on the spraying of riverbeds

Ongoing spraying of riverbeds in Golden Bay could have unintended consequences that damage the marine ecosystem, says scientist Dr Meriel Watts, co-ordinator of the Pesticide Action Network...

Fish and Game has great year

The Otago Fish and Game Council has posted an $87,772 surplus, making it the "cash cow" of its counterparts across the country, chairman Monty Wright told the annual meeting in Dunedin yesterday...

Call for river boaties to take it slow

Bird Rescue volunteer Corina Hooper says fishing lines and boats speeding up and down the river pose a serious threat to the birds...

Why fish oil is good for your brain

Eating oily fish such as salmon and trout can significantly improve your memory say scientists...

Giving Nature a helping hand

Montrose Salmon and Trout Hatchery in the Rakaia Gorge is an asset to the future of the South Island fishery. But it faces a number of threats...

Tigers are on the prowl in Rotoma

Tiger trout,rather than the four-footed kind, have been released into lake Rotoma and they are keenly sought by anglers...

Political parties speak on issues that affect anglers and hunters

Fish and Game has offered the six political parties currently in government the chance to outline their policy positions on issues important to anglers and hunters...

Trout fishing tourney: Angler reveals tips

Rotorua angler Bevan Lash usually heads to Lake Rotorua for a chance at hooking the biggest brown trout...

Lake full at last, now the big test

The Opuha Lake is brimful after recent rain and one of its early proponents, farmer Tom Henderson, said this shows the Opuha Dam is an asset to the Opuha and Opihi Rivers, as there is enough water saved to keep water in the rivers throughout summer...

More than 130 submissions oppose cycle trail

The Southland District Council has received more than 130 submissions opposing the proposed $7 million Around the Mountains Cycle Trail, including 34 from overseas anglers worried about its impact on remote rivers...

Anglers Warn Politicians On Trout Farming

A national trout fishing body has warned National that any thought of trout farming could result in strong and vocal opposition and election action from the 100,000 or more trout anglers in New Zealand...

Trout Release – Lake Mc Laren – Kaimai Ranges

Fish & Game is preparing to carry out its annual release of 700 trout into Lake Mc Laren and the Ruahihi Canal – with Tauranga anglers invited to play their part...

Biosecurity does matter - Federated Farmers

Federated Farmers welcomes commitments from the Labour Party on biosecurity and commends the Party for agreeing with the Federation's 2011 Manifesto...

Aquaculture reforms concern yachties

Yachting New Zealand (YNZ) feels it is timely to reiterate its position on aquaculture development...

Is trout farming on National’s agenda? Dunne

UnitedFuture and freshwater anglers are astonished at speculation National is to put trout farming back on the agenda, says UnitedFuture Leader Peter Dunne...

Trawler runs aground off East Cape

A fishing trawler has grounded on the East Cape early this morning, although there are no reports of an oil leak...

Trawler runs aground off coast

Two men are sitting atop a severely listed fishing
trawler that has run aground off the coast of Ruatoria near Gisborne...

UnitedFuture launches key outdoor heritage policies

UnitedFuture launches key policies for protecting our outdoor heritage...

Making better use of water

National is pledging $400 million within the next two years to boost water storage and irrigation...

Time running out to have say on local water issues

People interested in having their say on the Lower Waitaki - South Coastal Canterbury Zone Committee's draft Zone Implementation Programme (ZIP) have until 25 November to provide their feedback...

All smiles as youngsters reel in trout

Palmerston North youngsters were all smiles on Sunday as they had a crack at trout fishing at the Hokowhitu Lagoon thanks to Fish & Game and local anglers...

State of the Water Resource Report 2011 released

Governor General The Right Honourable Sir Jerry Environment Canterbury has released its annual State of the Water Resource Report for 2011...

Councils are turning a blind eye to stock in waterways

Greens reveal that councils are turning a blind eye to stock in waterways...

Governor General named patron of trout centre

Governor General The Right Honourable Sir Jerry Mateparae has agreed to become Patron of the Tongariro National Trout Centre Society...

Application lodged to vary the Rakaia Water Conservation Order

Fish and Game are seeking the help of anglers to ensure a proposal to vary the Rakaia Water Conservation Order to allow increased irrigation and hydro power generation from the river does not compromise it... Read more >>>

Forensic first in fish investigation – big fine imposed

In a New Zealand first, the Ministry of Fisheries reported today that forensic paint sampling had been used to identify the location of a vessel where fish was illegally dumped...

NZ King Salmon proposal referred to Board of Inquiry

The New Zealand King Salmon Company Limited’s (NZKS) proposal to establish eight new salmon farming sites in the Marlborough Sounds has been sent directly to an independent Board of Inquiry under the Government’s nationally significant proposal process with the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA)...

Chilly opening to fishing season

It was a case of the keen and the cold, for those who were out fishing on the opening day of the High Country Fishing Season – but many were rewarded for their efforts...

Keen fishers share their skill and adventures

There are lots of great places to fish around New Zealand's coast, either close to home or somewhere more remote...

Trout fishing on Lake Taupo

Just 36 hours before the Final of Rugby World Cup 2011 kicked off, competition winners Terence and Jane Grace found themselves in tranquil Taupo Marina, getting ready to board the Nautilus for a four-hour trout fishing experience on New Zealand’s largest lake...

Didymo headwater challenge

Didymo is probably now in most of the South Canterbury and North Otago waterways it is going to get into, according to Central South Island Fish and Game officer Hamish Stevens, but the challenge now is to keep the remaining "clean" waterways in the region free from didymo...

Application lodged to vary the Rakaia Water Conservation Order

Fish and Game are seeking the help of anglers to ensure a proposal to vary the Rakaia Water Conservation Order to allow increased irrigation and hydro power generation from the river does not compromise it... Read more >>>

Trout release at Lake Whakamarino

Fish & Game Eastern Region will release 500 rainbows and 200 brown trout at the lake today...

Brand NZ: clean, green and clever - Dyson

Conservation needs to be integrated into our economic future as Brand New Zealand, clean, green and clever, says Labour's Conservation spokesperson Ruth Dyson...

Good trout fishing expected in tributaries

Anglers are gearing up for a good trout fishing season in the tributary rivers of Southland's major lakes...

Trout for Small Hydro Lake

Fish & Game Eastern Region will release 500 rainbows and 200 brown trout at the lake on Monday, November 7th...

Tragedy in river

A Gisborne family is angry and grieving after a two-year-old boy and his three-year-old relative were found face-down in the Taruheru River beside the Atkinson Street Reserve...

Trout bacteria tests show strain not typical

A strain of a bacterial fish disease found in an Otago trout hatchery is not the typical strain of the disease...

Gone fishing for more tourists

A good mate and I were yarning about trout fishing and what a fantastic country we live in...

Typical Kiwi summer expected

The NIWA National Climate Centre’s outlook for early summer, November 2011 to January 2012, indicates that temperatures are likely to be near average across all of the North Island and average or above average in the South Island...

Police suspend search for missing fisherman

The search for a man who disappeared while net fishing on Manukau Harbour near Auckland International Airport was suspended last night...

Fourth man drowns near Waikato River

The body of a man has been found after he was swept out to sea near the Waikato River mouth - the same place where three men drowned on Labour Day...

Another Tragic Drowning at Karioitahi Beach

Surf lifeguards from Kariaotahi Surf Life Saving Club have been involved this morning in the recovery of a body...

George Worker angling for good season

The Canterbury Wizards' newest recruit George Worker is hoping to catch more on the park than he did with his fly-fishing line at the weekend...

Clearing the waters

A former Taranaki journalist has come full circle as he begins writing a book that documents the revival of the province's waterways...

Competition celebrates opening of the high country lakes to fishing

November 5th not only hails the opening of the high country lakes to fishing but also the Hamills/ Composite Developments Coleridge Fishing Competition...

No tourism impact expected from bacteria in Mataura

The discovery of a bacteria affecting kanakana (lamprey) in the Mataura River and trout in a hatchery should not harm New Zealand's clean, green image...

Government Handling Of Oil Spill Likely Top Election Issue

The slow New Zealand Government response over the Rena oil spill earlier this month is likely to figure prominently in this election campaign...

Trout Boost for Lake Tutira

One year old fish are tagged at Fish & Game's hatchery in preparation for their release. One year old fish are tagged at Fish & Game's hatchery in preparation for their release...

Chance of dam rests on admissibility-of-evidence ruling

A High Court hearing yesterday signalled the next round of legal proceedings in the battle over whether a hydro-electric dam could be built on the Nevis River...

Labour's focus back on water

Canterbury's major earthquakes have diverted attention from water, the region's top pre-quake priority, Labour MP Brendon Burns says...

EDS favours Labour's Freshwater & High Country Policies

The Environmental Defence Society has expressed support for some elements of the Labour Party's Freshwater policy which was released over the weekend...

Forest & Bird welcomes Labour’s promise on wild rivers

Independent conservation organisation Forest & Bird welcomes the Labour Party’s policy to seek to protect the main parts of our remaining free-flowing rivers from being dammed ...

Acheron River Fishing Opportunities

In an effort to enhance fishing opportunities on Molesworth Station, Nelson Marlborough Fish & Game again requested that the Acheron Road be opened to provide for angler access to the lower part of the Acheron River during the early part of the season...

No sign of fishermen missing off Port Waikato

Rescuers are yet to find any sign of two men of three men swept out to sea at the mouth of the Waikato River...

Little fish lands big accolade

Years of dedication to building a seafood business that extends "from water to waiter" has brought Nelson's Donna Wells trans-Tasman recognition, and built a platform for further growth in the industry she loves...

Cautionary undercurrent to fish farming's lure

Kingfish and hapuku, fed and fattened in waters off the Coromandel coast, and served in the world's most exclusive restaurants. It's a scenario touted by an aquaculture industry with ambitions to become one of the country's top 10 export industries by 2025...

Search continues for missing

The search has resumed for two net fishermen washed out to sea south of Auckland yesterday...

'Strange' conditions may have spurred bacteria

The bacteria affecting kanakana in southern waterways may not be new to New Zealand...

Disease jumps from lamprey to trout

A disease that has been killing lamprey in Southland has now been found in a young trout in an Otago hatchery, raising fears the disease could wreak havoc in other species...

Huge Catch as Trout Contest Leaps in Popularity

The annual Lower Waikato Trout Fishing Contest 2011 turned up a “mammoth” catch of nearly 130 trout – after a big jump in the number of anglers competing...

Farmers not the focus on river issue

The battle over who is, and is not, polluting the Manawatu River is becoming as murky as the river itself, and for a change farmers are on the sidelines of the latest battle...

River health waits on brave leaders

Sixteen years ago, Greg Carlyon rafted the Mohaka River, from its headwaters in the Ahimanawa Range down 70 kilometres of what he describes as stunning, pristine natural beauty to its end in Hawke's Bay...

Plea to anglers to look for bug

Fishing organisations are asking anglers to keep an eye out for bacteria that has already infected trout in the Otago catchments...

Companies admit RMA breach

Two Taranaki companies have pleaded guilty to reduced charges following the death of hundreds of native fish in a New Plymouth stream...

Land Use Futures Board to be disbanded

A Rotorua board established to look into sustainable land uses to prevent nutrients entering Rotorua/Te Arawa lakes is to be disbanded...

Bacteria in hatchery trout

A juvenile trout from Otago Fish and Game's Macraes Hatchery has tested positive for the same bacterial disease causing illness and death in lampreys in Southland...

Fish release for kids day cancelled

Southland Fish & Game is very disappointed that the release of 200 trout and salmon into the Te Anau boat harbour for the annual children’s fishing event this labour weekend will have to be cancelled...

Hatchery fish detected with disease

Otago Fish & Game has had confirmation from MAF that a yearling trout from the Macraes Hatchery has been positively identified as being infected with the Aeromonas bacteria...

Second find of bacterial fish disease

The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) today confirms that a single, juvenile trout from the Taieri River in Otago has tested positive for the same bacterial disease that is causing illness and death in kanakana (lamprey) in Southland...

TrustPower seeks amendments the Lake Coleridge Project

Environment Canterbury have publically notified an application for amendments to the Rakaia River Water Conservation Order from TrustPower seeking amendments to allow for the Lake Coleridge Project to use water for both hydro-electricity generation and irrigation purposes. Submissions must be received by Environment Canterbury by 5pm on Monday the 21st of November 2011. Read more at the Environment Canterbury website

Perfect conditions for Take A Kid Fishing event

This years’ Take A Kid Fishing event on Sunday was a big success with one of the best catch rates the organisers had experienced...

Groups to fight new salmon farms

Lobby groups are rallying to fight New Zealand King Salmon plans to create eight new salmon farms in the Marlborough Sounds...

Salmon farm sites nominated

New Zealand King Salmon has named locations in the Marlborough Sounds where it wants to set up eight new salmon farms...

Lifejackets essential for safer summer boating

As the summer boating season is set to kick off at Labour Weekend, Waikato Regional Council is reminding boaties about the need to carry enough lifejackets for everyone on board...

Water Shortage Direction for Lake Opuha

Environment Canterbury will notify a Water Shortage Direction for the Opihi River, South Canterbury, and its tributaries...

Unique tiger trout ready for chase

Fish and Game has released 150 tiger trout into Lake Rotoma - the only New Zealand lake which is stocked with the unique game fish with striped markings...

Bacterial disease affects lamprey eels

The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry says a bacterial disease never seen before in New Zealand is leaving behind hundreds of deformed and dead kanakana or lamprey in Southland's Mataura river...

Fish & Game assisting MAF on lamprey disease

Fish & Game is very concerned about any new aquatic diseases or organisms in our environment and has been working closely with MAF on the disease affecting Southland kanakana/lamprey...

Mataura offers a good day

Last weekend most waters were in great order and with the fine weather since then it would be easy to assume things would be much the same this weekend...

Salmon at 'low' risk from germ

A bacteria previously unseen in New Zealand that has killed kanakana eels in Southland is unlikely to affect the multi-million dollar salmon industry, says New Zealand King Salmon chief executive Grant Rosewarne...

Commitment to River strong for Palmerston North City Council

When the Horizons Regional Council meets to discuss Palmerston North’s Waste Water Treatment Plant, there will be no representatives from the Palmerston North City Council present...

Tigers are on the loose at Lake Rotoma

Fish & Game has just released 150 Tiger Trout into Lake Rotoma – the only one in New Zealand that’s stocked with the unique game fish with stripy markings...

Lake fills to gills with trout

Each year more than 100,000 trout are released into Rotorua's lakes and in the last few days it was the turn of Lake Rerewhakaaitu to be stocked up...

Bacteria pose threat to fish

Bacteria previously unseen in New Zealand has killed kanakana in the Mataura River and have the potential to spread to trout and salmon...

1000 fish released for Take A Kid Fishing

This year over 1000 salmon will be released into the Groynes Lakes in Christchurch for the annual Take A Kid Fishing (TAKF) day on October the 16th. This is the most fish that have been released for the event which has been running for over twenty years now...

Disease affecting Southland Kanakana

Kanakana, or lamprey, in the Mataura River have become affected by a bacterial disease...

Upper Waitaki four rivers navigation safety bylaws amendment

Environment Canterbury has this week publicly notified its intention to amend its Navigation Safety Bylaws for the Dobson, Godley, Hopkins and Macaulay rivers in the Upper Waitaki Valley. It is inviting submissions from the public on the proposed changes...

Biggest Fish in Years for Trout Opening

Eastern Region Fish & Game officers were expecting to measure more than 1000 trout by the end of today – with some of the biggest fish in years weighed in as the new trout season got into full swing...

River carving under cliffs

Proposals for a $5.3 million project to realign the Manawatu River and turn the Anzac Cliffs into a hill have been presented to commissioners hearing the case to remove building restrictions at the cliff top...

Rivers show signs of good trout fishing prospects

One of Southland's most popular sports is set to kick off with a bang after a successful start to the whitebait season...

Anglers urged to check changes to fishing rules

Anglers are being warned to make sure they check changes to fishing regulations before they head to their nearest fishing spot...

Anglers Hook Top Condition Trout

Grey skies and choppy water didn’t deter hundreds of fishers who turned out this morning on Lake Tarawera – angling for a trophy fish at the start of the new trout season...

Unknown illness affecting kanakana in Mataura River

Hundreds of kanakana in the lower Mataura River appear to be affected by an unknown illness, raising concern that the fish are not currently suitable for human consumption...

Everybody's gone fishing

On an island nation such as ours, coastal fishing is akin to a rite of passage...

Smothering Gully restoration providing real benefits

Fencing and weed control at Smothering Gully, around 8km north-east of Waipara in North Canterbury, is providing real environmental benefits including protecting water quality and biodiversity in the Omihi Stream...

Share the blame, says Dairy NZ

Dairy NZ has welcomed aspects of the auditor-general's water quality report out this week, but urges a balanced and fair approach to addressing the issues raised...

High Hopes for New Trout Season on East Coast

There are high hopes for East Coast lakes at the start of the new trout season on Saturday, October 1st - with Lake Waikaremoana on a path to recovery...

Festival opening to season

This weekend marks the opening of the trout fishing season on Rotorua's lakes and Lake Tarawera's Landing Cafe is marking the occasion with a festival...

Farmers unhappy at OAG water report

Federated Farmers is questioning what value the Office of the Auditor General report, ‘Managing freshwater quality: challenges for regional councils’, will add to informed debate...

Auditor-Gen report shows need for stronger water regulation

A report by the Office of the Auditor-General highlights the need for strong national direction to clean up our freshwater, direction which the Government has so-far failed to provide, the Green Party said today...

Waikato Regional Council comments on national water report

Waikato Regional Council chairman Peter Buckley says the Auditor-General’s comments released today on Waikato water quality highlight the issues the council has been working to address...

PNCC in denial over river

Three months on from the official launch of the Manawatu River Accord Action Plan, we are seeing one of the major polluters of the river continue to try to muddy the waters over its failure to protect river life...

River pollution debate shut down

Debate about Palmerston North City Council's role in polluting the Manawatu River was closed down at its monthly meeting last night after Councillor Chris Teo-Sherrell ran out of time to finish saying his piece...

Passing helicopter spots stranded fishermen along Kildala River

Three men from New Zealand and their fishing guide are safe and sound after a harrowing ordeal last Thursday...

150,000 fish released for 150yr commemoration

Fish & Game West coast are currently releasing 150,000 sportsfish in commemoration of 150yrs of Acclimatisation in NZ...

Prize Package Great Incentive for Family Fishing

Fish & Game’s Eastern Region is offering the Kilwell package to promote its family fishing licences...

New Trout Fishing Season begins soon

For many, October the first is the most important day on the sport fishing calendar – the day the long-awaited trout season begins again...

Visitor fishing licence proposal

A proposal to charge international anglers more to fish in some of the world's best recreational fisheries does not go far enough, Otago Fish and Game councillor Ray Grubb says...

Bigger Fish Tipped for New Trout Season

Eastern Fish & Game Officers are tipping better prospects for catching some hefty fish on opening day, compared with the start of the trout fishing season last year...

Anglers 'need to change methods' to catch trout

The fish are out there but anglers are just not pursuing them the right way, says a Taupo fishing store owner...

Tainui join on fishery management

A new era in New Zealand fisheries management starts on 22 September when regulations providing for joint government and iwi management of fishstocks in the lower Waikato River come into effect...

New rules for intensively farmed stock around natural waterways

Farmers are being advised to begin planning how they will manage their stock to comply with new planning rules which come into force in June next year...

Anglers oppose upper Oreti cycle trail

A group of anglers are trying to get part of a national cycleway altered in the south, with one of them accusing the regional project manager of having a conflict of interest...

Website rises to lure of trout fishing fans

Rugby World Cup visitors could hook themselves a prized trout as well as bag an experience of a lifetime...

Fish & Game angles for tourists

Fish & Game NZ is helping Rugby World Cup visitors go trout fishing between matches with the launch of a new website...

DOC seeks views on non-resident angling licences

Just released is a discussion document prepared jointly by the Department of Conservation and the New Zealand Fish and Game Council which sets out a possible option to establish a non-resident (i.e. not a New Zealand resident) sports fishing licence at a higher licence fee than for resident anglers.

Read more at the DOC website.

Second body found in Lake Arapuni

Searchers at Lake Arapuni, near Putaruru, have found a second body...

Three fishing trips end in tragedy

Three fishing trips have ended in tragedy – two West Coast whitebaiters died and a body was recovered from Lake Arapuni, near Tokoroa...

Pheasant Release Marks 150 Years of Fish & Game Work

One hundred and fifty years of work to introduce and manage fish and game in New Zealand is being marked in a special way this weekend...

Cup visitors invited to 'Fish Away'

Fish & Game NZ has launched a new website to make it easy for Rugby World Cup visitors to enjoy the “ultimate Kiwi experience” between matches – fishing for large trout in our stunning scenic surroundings...

Fly Fishermen Flock To Ennis For Festival

Keen New Zealand fly fishermen are flocking to the 9th Annual Ennis on the Madison Fly Fishing Festival in Madison County...

Fisherman's family prepares for worst

The son of missing fisherman James Roberts has made a mercy dash from Afghanistan back home to England as mystery and speculation swirl around the disappearance of his father on Lake Arapuni, near Putaruru...

Father's Day gift key to 'Family Fun Outdoors

No need to fish around for a great Father’s Day present when you can buy Dad a gift that’ll foster some healthy, outdoor family time – a fishing licence for the new trout and salmon season...

Trout poachers caught in act

Fish & Game Officers carrying out checks at a local Rotorua Trout spawning stream on Friday afternoon (26th August) located and apprehended 2 men aged 17 and 40 yrs, and a 17 year old woman, who had allegedly been poaching spawning trout...

Health warning after sewage discharge in river

Recreational fishermen are being warned to avoid fishing the lower reaches of the Waimakariri after heavy rain or snow fall...

Sewerage Pollution Impede Fishing in Waimakariri River

According to reports, Dr Alistair Humphrey, Canterbury's, Chief Medical Health Officer, recently claimed that due to the heavy rain and snowfall, Waimakariri River certainly became high alerted against the sewage contamination risk...

Major milestone for Canterbury Water Management Strategy

The Hurunui-Waiau Zone Implementation Programme has been received and formally endorsed by both Hurunui District Council and Environment Canterbury...

Single Dam Site Has Most Potential

The most recent results from the Ruataniwha water storage project feasibility study have identified that the best route forward is to concentrate on a single dam site...

NZ Salmon research makes a splash in Canada

Research led by a New Zealand scientist has shown that salmon farming in Canada may be having a negative impact on wild populations due to the spread of parasites...

Fish and game bounty showcased to millions

New Zealand is set to be portrayed to tens of millions of US TV viewers as a land of adventure where you can ‘catch and cook’ all sorts of delectable wild game, freshwater fish and seafood...

Fly fishing guide rediscovers joy

Grzleweski writes: "When you turn your passion into a business, begin peddling the very thing that you cherish, it's like sending your loved one into a ring for a prize fight...

Global film festival brings fly fishing exploits to big screen

Fishermen are in for a treat when the annual RISE Fly Fishing Film Festival visits Auckland...

Aquaculture law heralds expansion

A new aquaculture law passed last night should end a "Mexican standoff" in the seafood industry and bring major benefits to the region, Nelson MP Nick Smith said today...

Act helps fish farm expansion

A new aquaculture bill passed last night could mean salmon farms are approved in areas of the Marlborough Sounds where they are currently forbidden...

Kawarau River deaths spark coroner’s call for lifejackets

The Otago/Southland coroner is recommending to Maritime New Zealand that lifejackets should be made compulsory for anyone in a small boat...

A Message For Whitebaiters: Didymo

The Department of Conservation would like to remind whitebaiters to check, clean and dry their nets and other gear when moving between waterways. This will help slow the spread of freshwater pests and potentially didymo during the whitebait season...

1000 trout to be delivered to Wellington’s Capital Trout Centre

To the relief of Fish & Game and hundreds of young anglers, the severe weather which threatened to derail the delivery of 1000 trout to Wellington’s Capital Trout Centre is on the wane and the release will go ahead tomorrow as planned...

Freedom campers face $200 instant penalty

Freedom campers could find themselves paying an instant $200 fine from next month if the "poo police" find them in an area where freedom camping has been banned...

Parliament pushes through aquaculture changes

Controversial legislation which establishes an independent arbitrator for the aquaculture industry is expected to be passed by Parliament under urgency today...

NZ King Salmon supports expansion bill

New Zealand King Salmon would happily give up its water space if a commercial fishing quota holder could create more wealth for the country using the same area, chief executive Grant Rosewarne says...

NZ 'acclimatised' to British tastes

The uniquely New Zealand system of community ownership of wild gamebirds and sports fish was born in Waikato 150 years ago...

Spin Fishing for Trout

Many anglers do not have the time or desire to learn how to fly fish. They may well have the desire to catch a trout though...

Walkaround should catch on

Walkaround-style boats have not, traditionally, proved very popular in New Zealand waters...

Crayfish tops action on lakes

Settled weather has allowed boats to venture out into the Hauraki Gulf in search of work-ups, with some good results...

Strange days on Lake Taupo

Good news for Waikato anglers – Fish & Game has taken another step towards trebling the number of trout being released into Lake Arapuni – the district’s most popular sport fishing lake...

Hi-tech camera benefits fishing movies

Southlanders had the chance to witness a fishing film-industry first this week...

Big Boost for Lake Arapuni Trout Numbers

Good news for Waikato anglers – Fish & Game has taken another step towards trebling the number of trout being released into Lake Arapuni – the district’s most popular sport fishing lake...

Aquaculture rule proposals upset

A lawyer for the group representing scallop and finfish quota owners in the the top of the south has blasted government plans to put aquaculture expansion ahead of commercial fishing...

River back from brink

The Whanganui River is being nursed back to health since the commissioning of the city's wastewater treatment plant...

Waitaki River Boost for salmon programme

A project to increase salmon numbers in the Waitaki River has received a boost with a grant from the Community Trust of Otago to the Waitaki Riparian Enhancement Society...

NZACA elects new president

Fielding’s Brent Rolston is the new president of the NZ Angling and Casting Association, filling the vacancy created by incumbent Janine Slater moving offshore...

Conservationists using covert methods to catch poachers

Conservationists are using sophisticated technology in the fight against illegal trout fishing...

Draft plan for river clean-up published

People in Hawke's Bay with a concern about farms polluting two rivers in the region have until the last week of August to make submissions on the issue...

Debris creates boating hazard on lake

A large raft of logs and floating debris is causing a boating hazard on Lake Monowai...

Wainuiomata: a new attraction?

Wainuiomata has just released a Rugby World Cup promotional video touting itself as the next must-visit tourist destination, highlighting pristine trout fishing rivers...

Poacher Cam Effective Tool in Battle Against Trout Thieves

Rob a service station and you'd expect to be filmed by a security camera – but who would think trout poachers would find themselves on ‘Poacher Cam?'...

Economic progress not green light for water pollution

“It saddens me that in the name of ‘economic progress’ we are prepared to let our rivers and lakes be so badly degraded,” said UnitedFuture environment and outdoors spokesman, Doug Stevens, in reaction to Fish and Game’s report on the state of our rivers and lakes...

Water pollution 'will worsen'

Already polluted lakes and rivers will only get worse under a flawed freshwater policy, a new report warns...

Minister launches giant wetland project

Minister for the Environment Dr Nick Smith launched a 3000 square metre floating wetland in Lake Rotoehu as part of the Rotorua Lakes restoration programme...

Hard work for a farm holiday

Farming tourism is like farming in general. It's not always easy to make a profit and it's subject to global trends… Nokomai Station is an example of farmers have kept their two businesses separate while utilising the land and surround areas…

Strategy for Taharua and Upper Mohaka Rivers

A proposed strategy for improving water quality in the upper Mohaka River and the Taharua tributary is now available for comment by the public...

Native species and trout reurning to 2 Northland lakes

Fish numbers are on the rise again in two small Northland lakes that used to be a food-basket for tangata whenua...

Fish & Game Hails Kai Iwi Lakes Trout Turnaround

Fish and Game Northland says the Kai Iwi lakes have turned a corner for trout fishing – with the latest fish weighed in the biggest recorded since the early nineties...

No health issues raised by Opuha sampling

Environment Canterbury's investigations into allegations that agricultural chemicals may have been buried under the Opuha Dam, South Canterbury, during its construction have not raised health or recreation concerns...

Meridian grant for Southland rivers

Meridian Energy has continued its commitment to rivers in the Te Anau Basin with a one-off grant to assist Environment Southland's river management work...

Network of ponds to provide fishing for kids

Plans have been hatched to dig a series of ponds on public land close to the Waimea River at Appleby and stock them with trout and salmon ready to catch next year...

Water, water everywhere, but only a few drops stored

Speech by Bruce Wills, Federated Farmers President, to the 2nd Annual Agricultural and Horticultural Outlook Summit...

The $200m plan to irrigate the Bay

Hawke's Bay Regional Council's water storage plan is ambitious, expensive and complex, but council staff say the region needs something on this scale to manage water in Central Hawke's Bay...

Consultation open for Upper Mohaka Draft Strategy

Hawke's Bay Regional Council is seeking public comment on a draft strategy for the future health of the upper Mohaka River and its Taharua tributary...

Read about the draft strategy at the regional council's webpage

Trout Fishers Seek Politicians' Answers on Rivers

A national trout-fishing advocacy wants answers from political parties on question marks over water quality and public access to rivers and fishing...

Four Bay dairy farms fined for polluting

Bay of Plenty dairy farmers were reminded of the serious penalties for polluting after four were prosecuted last week for various degrees of contamination to waterways...

Bread Fishing for Trout Earns Big Fine

Fish & Game officers say the latest fines handed down for trout fishing with no licence and using bread for bait - sends a strong message to would-be poachers...

Hutt River tap turns for Te Marua upgrade

A controversial plan to take more water from the Hutt River for the region's taps has been given the green light...

Collaboration the key to handling big land and water issues

Close collaboration between all stakeholders - including iwi, farmers, the agriculture industry and local councils - will be the key to successfully addressing land and water quality issues in the region...

Crackdown on dirty contractors

Two new boat washdown facilities at Tokaanu Marina, to help boaties protect the Taupo fishery and avoid spreading weeds from lake to lake, have been greeted with enthusiasm by boat users...

Geoff Thomas: Fine for fish, frustrating for fishers

Weather has been the bane of those wanting to put the boat in the water and head out for a fish during the past week...

Fishing a hook for Pink Floyd rock legend

Pink Floyd rock legend Roger Waters has two reasons to return to Kiwi shores - music and fishing...

Tough work to bag Big Four

Any motorist on the main road running through Te Puna, north of Tauranga, a couple of weeks ago would have wondered what was going on as a procession of utes and trailers adorned with stags' antlers and wild boars' heads lined up along the road...

Check, Clean and Dry slows pest

A novel marketing approach has helped to engage people in a campaign to slow down the spread of a major waterway pest...

Minster sides with scientists over trout and stouts

Environment Minister Nick Smith has sided with scientists in a debate over whether introduced trout should be seen as the stoats of the waterways for destruction they have caused in fresh water habitats...

Don't blame trout: it's dirty dairying

The description by Federated Farmers' outgoing dairy section head Lachlan McKenzie of trout as freshwater stoats, and his attempt to portray them as a danger to our waterways, is yet another attempt to shift the blame from where it should lie - with dirty dairying practices...

Are trout to blame for declining water quality?

Scientists are questioning claims by a prominent dairy industry representative, suggesting trout are a 'disastrous species' -- no better than 'freshwater stoats' -- and that farmers have been unfairly blamed for their impacts on declining water quality...

Another beauty to boost snapper stats

Abundant stocks of giant snapper could be Taranaki's newest attraction, with a remarkable number finding their way on to fishermen's lines in the past couple of months...

Trout damage claims rejected

Freshwater scientists have rejected claims by a prominent dairy farmer that introduced trout are "freshwater stoats" and could be doing more damage to streams and rivers than dairy farming...

Cows culprits, not trout, dairy head told

Freshwater scientists have rejected claims by a prominent dairy farmer that introduced trout are "freshwater stoats" and could be doing more damage to streams and rivers than dairy farming...

Dairy effluent compliance continues to improve

The rate of dairy effluent consent compliance in Canterbury has continued to improve over the past year according to preliminary figures released by Environment Canterbury...

MAF marks Biosecurity Month of July

The New Zealand Biosecurity Institute has designated July as “Biosecurity month” to raise awareness of the work done by those involved in protecting New Zealand’s natural environment from pests and diseases...

Consultation open for Taupo Sports Fishery Management Plan

The Taupo Sports Fishery Management Plan (TSFMP) discussion document has now been released. The purpose of the discussion document is to encourage discussion and invite suggestions in preparation for the 2011 review of the Taupo Sports Fishery Management Plan (TSFMP)

Read the discussion document at the DOC website.

Locals praised for Lake Okareka progress

Nutrient reduction targets look likely to have been met to improve water quality in Lake Okareka, thanks to valuable input from the local community, last week’s Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group meeting heard...

Popular Trout Lakes Close for Winter Rest

The season for boat fishing is drawing to a close on three of Rotorua’s lakes Thursday, (June 30th, midnight) – but there’s still plenty of other sport fishing opportunities...

Action Plan Approved for Lake Tikitapu

The Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group has approved an Action Plan for Lake Tikitapu (Blue Lake)...

Didymo contained for second year

Recent tests for didymo in 19 Fiordland National Park rivers have come back negative, a pleasing result for Fish and Game and Department of Conservation (Doc) staff...

Monitoring to continue after Awakino spill

Environmental monitoring of the Awakino river and coastal marine area is set to continue after the end of an oil spill clean-up involving the Waikato Regional Council...

Rule for success: Location, location, location

The best place to find snapper is close around the rocks, which is good news for shore-based fishermen as well as those in small boats...

Awakino oil spill clean-up makes further progress

Waikato Regional Council will today be assessing the need to continue with the clean-up operation in the Awakino River following Wednesday’s oil spill...

Volunteers help care for region

Hundreds of Bay of Plenty residents willingly give their time and expertise to protect and enhance our environment and to help keep our harbours and lakes safe...

Taharua river still deteriorating

The condition of a picturesque North Island river continues to deteriorate despite concerns raised more than two years ago about the effect of dairy intensification...

Anglers cry foul at commercial fishers

A popular harbour where generations of Coromandel residents have learnt to fish is being stripped bare by commercial operators, alarmed locals say...

Council may pass on salmon bid

Marlborough District councillors appear to be leaning towards the opinion that a board of inquiry should hear the application by King Salmon to expand its operations in the Sounds...

Bid for on-boat hunting on lakes

Queenstown fishing charter company is aiming to expand into hunting activities by introducing on-the-boat shooting on Lakes Wakatipu, Wanaka and Hawea...

Public Hearing on Matahina Hydro Electric Power Scheme
An independent panel of commissioners will hear submissions next week on TrustPower's resource consent applications to continue to operate the Matahina Hydro Electric Power Scheme...

Time to focus on water quality

The National Party won some plaudits in Opposition five years ago when it said it had seen the light on the environment and would now approach policy development with "blue-green" vision...

Manawatu River eyes up clean-up fund

The Manawatu River will be cleaned faster if its leaders are successful in their bid for the Government’s Freshwater Clean-Up fund...

Minister welcomes Manawatu River action plan

Environment Minister Nick Smith today visited Foxton to launch an action plan instigated by the Manawatu River Leaders Accord for cleaning up the Manawatu River...

'Check, Clean, Dry' effective at stopping the spread of didymo in Fiordland

Recent tests for didymo in 19 rivers in Fiordland National Park have all come back negative, a result that has pleased staff at Fish & Game...

Dirty dumping ruins the fishing

Connull Lang, originally from Hawke's Bay and now living overseas, was looking for places to fly fish when he came across animal carcasses in two separate places along the Tukituki River...

No accord on issue of dams ban

Mediation between the two main parties in the battle over whether dams should be banned on the Nevis River has collapsed...

More than 45,000 Trout Released into North Island Lakes

North Island lake trout stocks have received a huge boost – with Fish & Game releases topping the 45,000 mark, and more set down for spring...

Kaitime Takes Close Look at Trout Breeding

Top-rating Maori Television show Kaitime has turned its cameras on trout – and the people who breed them by the thousand to re-stock the country’s lakes...

Bugs’ Boost for Fish & Game’s Trout Breeding

Veteran fly fisher ‘Bugs,’ aka John Wilson, is generous with tips for novices on how to fish his favourite spot – Tarawera Landing...

Lake Tutira trout release makes fine fish tale

Fish stocks in Lake Tutira have been boosted with the release of thousands of trout yesterday...

Historic hatchery comes to light

Breeding ponds for brown trout, dating back to 1868 have been discovered in Otago...

River mystery solved

Scientists discover how "Didymo" algae bloom in pristine waters with few nutrients...

Waikato District Lakes and wetlands agreement to be signed

A new memorandum of agreement (MOA) aimed at helping better protect lakes and wetlands in Waikato District is being signed on Tuesday 7 June at 8am at the Twin Lakes Event Centre in Huntly...

Safety overhaul will 'end' many tourism businesses

The New Zealand Professional Fishing Guides Association says new tourism safety initiatives will force many smaller operators to close due to a spike in safety costs...

Fishermen benefiting from ugly weather

The west coast usually fishes very well, and it is more a question of being able to access it...

30 May 2011

Taupo trout upsurge predicted

Local anglers and the Conservation Department, is cautiously heralding an upsurge in the Taupo trout fishery...

Taupo boaties face doubling of fees

Mooring and ramp fees could more than double for thousands of Taupo boaties to help pay the annual $1.5 million rent of the lake from its owners, Ngati Tuwharetoa...

24 May 2011

Fish blamed for water pollution

A Waikato University scientist believes that by diminishing koi carp numbers, the quality of water in Waikato lakes and rivers can improve without forcing farmers to reduce their fertiliser use...

Improving our waterways

Wthout clear national water quality standards to keep the effects of a massive expansion of intensive farming in check, there is a risk that pollutants will flush off an even greater swathe of intensively farmed land, causing the condition of lakes and rivers to get worse, not better...

Lake Taupo protection makes solid progress

Efforts to protect Lake Taupo by reducing nitrogen inputs to the lake are proving to be highly successful to date...

Net a trout at contest

Some were a little groggy but Lake Pupuke's cold water soon woke up the 1100 trout released into it on Wednesday.The two-year-old trout, including 1000 rainbow and 100 brown, made the morning trip from Fish and Game's Rotorua hatchery...

Hundreds Of Trout To Be Released At 'Urban Fishing' Spot

Fish & Game is preparing to release hundreds of catchable trout into Lake Pupuke on Auckland’s North Shore. The 1000 rainbows and 100 brown trout will be released at Sylvan Park at around mid-day on 27 April...

Trout festival proves popular

The Ngongotaha Trout Festival looks set to become an annual event after the success of the inaugural festival which attracted hundreds at the weekend....

Tough job to balance Kiwis' needs

Last month Timberlands announced a system whereby recreational users must register and pay an annual $50 fee before they can enter the forest in the latest of a number of restrictive moves by Timberlands that has raised the tempers of North Islanders and the ire of politicians like UnitedFuture's Peter Dunne...

Alligator weed found on eastern Bay farm

Bay of Plenty Regional Council staff are working with an eastern Bay of Plenty landowner to remove and control an infestation of the aggressive pest plant alligator weed from farmland near Taneatua...

Govt Fails to Provide Independent Environmental Authority

New Zealand’s pristine natural environment is something we should protect and treat with respect Labour’s environment spokesperson Charles Chauvel said today...

Lake Water Quality Society Symposium: Keynote Address

Read the speech from Environment Minister, Dr Nick Smith at the Lake Water Quality Symposium in Rotorua.

Nevis River appeals back on agenda

Environment Court appeals against a special tribunal ruling prohibiting damming on the Nevis River are back on the agenda...

Dairy compliance still an ongoing challenge for Bay of Plenty

Routine farm dairy effluent compliance monitoring in the Bay of Plenty has again highlighted the ongoing challenges of consistent compliance across the region...

Dunne disappointed with Central North Island 1080 drop

It is disappointing to learn of an aerial 1080 drop near Lake Otamangakau in the Central North Island just a month out from duck shooting season”, said UnitedFuture leader Peter Dunne. ”Lake Otamangakau is world famous for producing trophy trout and is also a popular destination for game bird hunters...

Concern at scarcity of trout in Lake Taupo

The Department of Conservation (DoC) is concerned about a decline in the number of trout in Lake Taupo....

Halswell River damage minor

The 22 February earthquake caused some existing river bank cracking and slumping deterioration in a few areas but there were no instances of significant new slumping and river bed liquefaction appears to be substantially less...

Resources rise to nab poachers

As winter approaches Fish and Game rangers are gearing up to target poachers in Rotorua fisheries.Eastern Region Fish and Game officer Anthony van Dorp said in the 2009/2010 year 73 people were caught poaching by officers in the eastern region, the majority of those being in Rotorua.

Didymo-free Manawatu praised

Despite its many other ailments, didymo is one unwanted organism Manawatu River is without, and Horizons Regional Council says that is thanks to the efforts of waterway users who have taken the "clean, check, dry" initiative seriously...

Dunne: New ministry must do more for recreational fishing

UnitedFuture leader Peter Dunne has greeted the decision to merge Fisheries with Agriculture and Forestry with a call for the new organisation to be more responsive to the needs of recreational fishers...

Weed cordon installed at Lake Okataina

Bay of Plenty Regional Council has installed a weed cordon around the boat ramp at the main beach on Lake Okataina. The weed cordon has been specifically designed to prevent the spread of aquatic pests that are present in nearby lakes...

Easter's Ngongotaha Trout Festival

A Reggae concert and a trout-fishing competition will see Ngongotaha transformed into one big street party during Easter Weekend as part of the first Ngongotaha Trout Festival....

Turangi aquarium snubs trout

A new freshwater aquarium in Turangi has banned the region's famed trout in favour of a range of native fish species....

River and lake levels warning

Environment Waikato has issued an alert about rising river and lake levels following a heavy rain warning from MetService...

Christchurch earthquake:Latest updates

There are now 92 bodies in a temporary morgue set up by police in Christchurch, Prime Minister John Key says....

Preventive algae treatment for Lake Rotoiti

Bay of Plenty Regional Council is treating Okawa Bay on Lake Rotoiti today with a product to prevent potentially toxic blue-green algae blooming on the lake...

Zealandia sanctuary to poison dam to clear trout

The naturally-occurring chemical rotenone will be used next week at the top of the Zealandia sanctuary's upper dam to eradicate about 100 brown trout that are cannibalising native fish.

The current foreshore and seabed debate

Since this issue first arose in 2003, it has been UnitedFuture's constant position that the only durable solution to the foreshore and seabed issue rests with it being held as public domain for all New Zealanders.

Iconic wetlands in jeopardy

The preservation of the Waituna Lagoon, which is also a popular brown-trout fishing destination, has been made a priority project by the regional council...

Good progress made on lake water quality

This week’s Operations Monitoring and Regulation Committee heard that achievements included significantly improving Lake Rotoiti’s water quality, completing all the actions in Lake Okaro’s Action Plan, securing half the land use change required for the Lake Okareka Catchment and commissioning the Puarenga Stream phosphorus-locking plant...

Shag River dam investigation grant

A grant has been made towards an investigation into the possibility of putting a dam on the Shag River inland from Dunback to supply potable water and irrigation to the Dunback and Shag River district...

Mokau power scheme consents granted

Resource consents related to a King Country Energy (KCE) proposal to build a new hydro dam on the Mokau River have been granted by Environment Waikato (EW) and the Waitomo District Council (WDC).

Dam blamed for river ruin

Fisherman Ray Brokenshire fears it will be too late in five years to save the Opihi River from the effects of degradation...

Defend property rights or become nation of serfs

An opinion piece by ACT member Deborah Coddington who argues "it is the legitimate property right of an owner to sell the exclusive access for fishing"

Kiwis upset over "exclusive" fishing rights

New Zealand's anglers are being shut out of top fishing spots by businesses cutting expensive deals with private landowners, angry fishermen say...

Hawke's Bay locals shut out of top fishing spots

Local anglers are being locked out of some top fishing spots because guides pay for exclusive rights, a local fisherman says...

Stance annoys anglers

A Federated Farmers defence of a "fundamental principle of land ownership – the right to exclude access" – has drawn flak from anglers...

Editorial: Access to waterways too precious to lose

New Zealand's rivers, lakes and coastline are this country's commons. Allowing them to be closed to public access for private gain is not what Queen Victoria and Governor Hobson had in mind in 1840, and it is not what New Zealanders expect today...

Anglers upset with new restrictions

Malcolm Francis is a catch-and-release fisherman who's been angling for trout in this region for 15 years. He says the best thing about fishing is the wilderness experience, and New Zealand's waterways should be open to all, not blocked off by commercial tourism deals...

NZ anglers angered by loss of prime spots

plus comments by readers

Local fishers are growing increasingly concerned New Zealand's best fishing spots are being hijacked by wealthy foreigners, an anglers' group says...

Exclusive deals lock out Kiwi anglers

Anglers to fight exclusive deals to fishing spots

Kiwi anglers are being "locked out" of top fishing spots by businesses cutting expensive deals with private landowners, angry fishermen say...

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