Hello all,

Donation pledges are continuing to come in and this is essential to maintain the flow so please feel free to send these updates to all. We are now on the eve of making the commitment that we will make this all happen. A  calculated gamble but one done with the security of knowledge that a lot of fishers feel as equally passionate as we do in this matter.

This is is about giving some healthy kingfish a chance in the wild, a chance they wont have where they are. Hence "Kingfish go wild". Its also about acknowledging our commitment to our fishery and "putting something back"
It is a unique opportunity to built relationships with other recreational fishers.

Its about public relations and building bridges with other stakeholders in a shared fishery.

The opportunity of having more tagged fish in the water even if only a few tonne should not be underestimated because any amount will make a contribution to our knowledge of the wild fishery, even if it is only one fish.
More importantly it is an opportunity for the fishing community to demonstrate to Government,  its unity and a willingness to work together in our shared fishery.

It is also an opportunity for our marine industry suppliers to give something back and demonstrate their appreciation of the work the NZRFC does in its advocacy for marine recreational fishers.

Its an opportunity to develop ongoing relations and a major project.

A win win for all.

Progress today.

The process for seeking permission to release these fish into the wild is underway with Mfish, NIWA NZRFC and the marine farm working together. Thanks team its all good stuff.
The fish are of NIWA wild brood stock and all reports are that they are in good health.

We will be sending a test sample of fish to Bio-security to ensure that there is no presence or chance of  releasing any  disease into the wild.
Mfish have offered to fund this cost and I thank them. I also thank the Auckland office for responding so quickly in the positive to enable us to move through the legal process quickly.

Well done team.

NIWA have committed to lend us their kingfish transporter and Lawson Transport who are familiar with transporting fish with NIWA have kindly offered their eight wheeler truck at fuel reimbursement and road user charges. A fantastic offer thanks Craig. I am mindful that we will need to find another truck for your normal work if we tie your one up so I am on the case. Hopefully our members will know of some one who will assist.
The equipment is pretty large and once all loaded the rig is some 25 ton all up, so we don't want to be doing a lot of swappy changes. Otherwise we may solicit other professional help from experts in this field. I have sent out the word for help.

On this issue I have to acknowledge NIWA and their support because without their professional expertise this would not be possible and these fish will be cray bait.

Tagging is the next issue to think of as we are about to order a heap of tags from Australia. These are special little wire tags that are suitable for small fish which is all very well. But we will be looking in the north for volunteers who can give time to join the tagging team as there are lot of fish to tag and I mean a lot ... Many hands means light work.

If some one can pass this on to the most northern clubs who might have members to assist I would appreciate it.

Now onto funding,

This morning local support grew to over $10,000 and today I have had the commitment from a number of clubs to raise funds and to give their members a chance to participate. This is welcomed and excellent and should be acknowledged. To this end I am proposing that we budget to  get pins and plaque's produced to mark the "Kingfish go wild" campaign and to give acknowledgement to the fine support we are getting. The cost of this is minuscule when compared to the overall project, but important recognition. More on this later.

To date we have donations from a pensioner giving $50 to substantially more. I am currently seeking in association with major participants in our industry some serious money to underwrite the project and to date I have received a positive response but must in turn present a proposal that will ensure they get a suitable acknowledgment and future marketing opportunities if required. This development is at present commercially sensitive and I ask that you all trust in my confidence that we can get some major support to underwrite this project. In saying this we need continued buy in from our members and the wider fishing community to fore fill the project.

This task and its future needs to have our full support, so please keep the ball rolling in your networks.

Tomorrow we will commit and I will bring you our next update. If this is a bit short I apologise but much is happening. I will be heading north next week to plan further but to be fair to the farm they will need commitment tomorrow. In saying this we will not be paying for fish until they are certified as above and and then as we take possession of them.  I do not foresee a problem as we are getting excellent support from the farm management and its owners and as such we are negotiating for more time after their deadline to close the farm so as we can carry out the transfer. The owners need to be recognised for offering us this time and I thank them. Its all about working together.

In the mean time please keep the ball rolling and I will be calling in the credit cards shortly.

Donations and cheques can be made out to. "Kingfish go wild" NZRFC and sent to me as below.

or to PO Box 26064 Newlands Wellington.

Regards all

Keith Ingram
President
NZ Recreational Fishing Council
4 Prince Regent Drive
Half Moon Bay
Auckland

Ph: 09 533 4336
Fax:09 533 4337
Mob:0274 584 747

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