Catching a big one from Ninety Mile Beach
One of the biggest surfcasting competitions in the world is taking place at Te Oneroa-a-Tōhē (Ninety Mile Beach) this week, and ACC is on hand to spread some vital tips on water safety.
The Ninety Mile Beach Snapper Bonanza is famous across New Zealand and brings around a thousand keen fishers to the region every year. They all hit the renowned Northland beach looking to catch the big one and reel in some serious prize money.
The single species fishing competition runs for five days and the cash pool is more than $72,000. The biggest cash offering goes to the largest snapper of the week, a whopping $30,000. Around 3,000 people attend the prizegiving.
Local businessmen John Stewart and Dave Collard have combined their talents to facilitate this Far North event that has become a must-do competition on the fishing calendar.
Darin Maxwell holds the record for the heaviest snapper recorded in the competition’s history. In 2012, the Te Puke fisherman reeled in a whopper of a snapper that weighed in at 12.03kg.
In 198, the Brijevich family started the competition, which was then called the Snapper Classic. They were the owners of The Park – a campground just down the road from the current prizegiving site.
The competition evolved over the next 27 years into a community project that benefited the many local businesses supplying services, supplies and equipment.
In 2011, the 90 Mile Beach Snapper Bonanza was born, with John and Dave taking the reins.
“We’re proud to deliver an iconic event that over the years has put Northland surfcasting on the map,” Dave says.
“The Snapper Bonanza has developed into a strong brand and we hope it’s an event that’s here to stay. It wouldn’t be possible without the support of our sponsors.
“We have a deep passion for surfcasting and for people who pick up a rod to be safe. That’s why we’ve asked ACC to come along to spread the word about water safety.”
Staying safe when catching kai
For the first time in 2024, ACC will be attending the Snapper Bonanza from 11 to 13 March to help improve safety on our beaches and reduce our drowning toll.
Water Safety New Zealand data shows there were 90 preventable drownings across New Zealand in 2023.
In 2022, ACC accepted 1,205 water-related injuries in the Northland region, which came at a cost of $3.5 million to help people recover.
In 2022, ACC accepted more than 700 fishing injuries – fishing from a boat (447) and fishing from the rocks (272) – and these injuries came at a cost of $2.3 million to help people recover.
ACC injury prevention leader James Whitaker says the Snapper Bonanza is famous across New Zealand but encourages all participants to take a moment before they get stuck in.
“The Snapper Bonanza is an awesome event, and we’re delighted to be part of this year’s activity on 90 Mile Beach,” James says.
“But it’s important to assess the conditions before you get into casting. Take a look at the swell, the break and any rips. Get familiar with the environment around you so you can prevent injury.
“We want all New Zealanders to avoid getting hurt so they can keep on doing what they love.”
The ACC team will be giving away ‘Have a Hmmm’ hint tog bags that feature a QR code that links through to tips on preventing injury.
“We’re looking forward to chatting to participants up and down the beach asking them to tell us some drowning and injury prevention tips and giving them ice blocks if they get the tips right,” James says.
Rescue equipment helping prevent drownings
The ACC team will also be interviewing people alongside Surf Life Saving New Zealand staff to identify appropriate and relevant coastal locations for personal rescue equipment.
In 2024, ACC is funding the production and installation of public rescue equipment at New Zealand’s 74 surf life saving clubs.
The $100,000 investment is part of an agreement with Surf Life Saving NZ aimed at reducing coastal drownings.
“Coroner reports frequently state drownings could have been prevented if personal flotation devices were present at the scene of the drowning,” James says.
“At the moment, the two main types of devices are produced overseas and getting them to New Zealand is a slow process.
“It’s great that a local company can lead the production of rescue equipment with a standardised design and safety regulations across the country.
“This will make things quicker and more cost effective.”
More information
More information on how to ‘Have a hmmm’ to avoid injury is available on the ACC website.
‘Have a hmmm’ before you jump in
More information on the Snapper Bonanza is available on the competition website.
Snapper Bonanza Surfcasting Competition – The Far North’s Iconic Event
