Minutes of the Executive Committee Meeting held in the Ngongotaha Community Hall, School Road, Ngongotaha on Saturday 2nd. September 2006, being previously postponed from 26th.August 2006.
Present : M.Stempa (Chair), B.Cronin, Betty Edwards, S.Hogg, D.Lash, B.Palmer, K.Pulman, M.Roberts, Janine Slater, G.Smeal and G.Dawber (Secretary)
Apologies : S.Benjamin, Jo Cook, J.Jones, J.Mikoz, N.Polak, B.Rolston, B.Smith – the apologies were accepted
Absent : Val Smith
The Meeting commenced by Bill Cronin speaking about the late Max Hetherington, the Secretary/Manager of the NZRFC, and then Members stood for a moment of silence and remembrance.
The Minutes of the meeting of the 1st.July were taken as read and represented an accurate record of the proceedings of that meeting (B.Cronin/D.Lash).
The Chair commented on the excellence of the Minutes.
There were no matters arising that were not on the Agenda.
The schedule of correspondence was tabled with the Secretary commenting of the large volume of emails received and that these far exceeded the usage plan currently with Telecom and that we will need to go up one broadband step so as to not incur the additional charges. A great number of emails were received which were primarily directed to clubs but because email addresses for many clubs as shown on websites are not available, the default email for such was the national office. Clubs to be reminded, yet again, to correct this anomaly.
The Inwards was received and the outwards ratified (B.Cronin/J.Slater)
Highlighted were :-
- Contact made with TackleTactics re the certificates from the last Nationals and not yet received. Dick reported he had had discussions with Phil Kettle and matters were in hand. Certificates would need to be signed and the Chair indicated a preference for real signatures rather than electronic ones. Reminder that the responsibility for framing and postage/freight costs was the responsibility of the Nationals Naming Rights Holder.
- A number of clubs had requested access details for the websites and this was seen as a good sign that at long last clubs were beginning to use this great facility. Still many many more clubs needing to “get the message”.
- The NZACA column in the NZ Fishing News, as compiled by Greg, has resulted in an inquiry to join a club which is great. Both Greg and the NZFN have commented on this result. The meeting expressed its thanks to Greg for his work by acclamation.
- NZACA now in receipt of copy of the Fishing Coast to Coast magazine and Secretary reported he is in communication with the editor regarding possible articles on the NZACA etc. Also responded to regular column therein on the IGFA with regard to the NZACA role with NZ Records. Good regular articles in this magazine by NZACA personnel and this month featured the Rotorua Fishing & Casting Club by Mark Roberts.
- DOC Recreational Fishing Summit in Wellington. Unfortunately no-one was able to attend although it was noted that members of NZ Forest & Bird attend free of charge.
- Recreation Fishing conference being held in Auckland and Auckland based members and clubs have been notified.
- DOC paper on Review of Protect Wildlife Species tabled. Most species concerned not applicable to this Association.
- Reply coupon sent out to clubs for point-of-contact for Greg for the NZFN column only bought in 5 replies. Very poor responses to date from clubs, although pointed out some Clubs do not meet over winter. Secretary felt it was the type of response that did not need a full club meeting to get the required information – disappointing !
Financial Report was tabled by the Secretary.
Good that renewal of affiliation fees were now starting to come in so accounts were looking a little healthier.
The Report was accepted (K.Pulman/D.Lash)
Raffles – in the absence of Nick Polak the Chair presented the paper Nick had prepared and circulated amongst Executive Members. The meeting agreed to proceed with “Option 1” of Nick’s proposal (M.Stempa/B.Cronin)
Nick can now proceed with next steps necessary.
50th Anniversary
The meeting confirmed the design and colours of the badge as being option 1 of the designs circulated. This was gold where our present badge is silver with the addition of a bottom portion with gold border and gold lettering on blue background stating 2007 50th. Anniversary. Passed (B.Cronin/D.Lash) but with two against.
Lifetime Achievers Award
Due to a number of concerns the meeting agreed to revisit this award and criteria for such and rescind decisions made at the July meeting (D.Lash/B.Cronin)
Members Manual
There had been no response to the challenge put out by the Wairoa North Clyde Surfcasting Club regarding clubs donating $50 towards the Members Manual. Dick Lash, on behalf of the Feilding Surfcasting Club, agreed to match the Wairoa North Clyde Club suggested donation. Thanks expressed to both clubs with the hope other clubs would come to the party. It was noted that there were a number of quite wealthy clubs in the Association and certainly $50 would not be really missed.
A need now to purchase more binders and to print more of the contents. This the Secretary will arrange in conjunction with Brian Palmer. Secretary going to look at approaching Gaming Trusts for funding to assist with the Manuals because the present scheme of different sponsors for the various Sections drying up. Only really Alvey and Fishing News who are providing on-going support.
Bill Cronin going to approach the new owners of Ramco Boats to see if they will carry on their sponsorship of the Section on Fishing Rules.
In response to a question the Secretary confirmed that without sponsorship the concept of the Members Manual would be non-existent. It was not feasible to increase the cost to new members to cover the cost of the Manuals.
Discussion on whether we should move to a printable on-line Manual rather than the present format. This was thought to be not really applicable as many people did not have computers or internet connected computers; many used the Manual as a resource tool and took it with them when fishing. Better to have it readily accessible than to have to turn on a computer to access it. The hard-covered A5 format easier to handle than printed sheets off a website. Some Clubs used them also as their Club Handbook. It was agreed though that the full Manual should be available on-line and the best location was the NZACA website and the Secretary to have further discussions with the Webmaster to try and achieve this.
The Manual is held on the Association computer in an MSPublisher 2002 format.
Nationals Seeding
The Secretary was thanked and congratulated on putting together the seeding schedule. It was agreed that in the two fishing categories that an “open” seeding list be drawn up combining all of the different senior divisions. Suggested maybe just the top 10 or 20 places from each.
Dick said he was going to do a similar exercise with the Postal Casting and then a combined Casting Seeding could be put together which may show some interesting results.
Secretary reported that the Seeding Schedule would be placed on the website. It will also be distributed to clubs so that it hopefully would encourage club members to attend the Nationals to defend or better their seeding ranking.
Trophies
The Secretary and the Trophies Officer to bring together a comprehensive list of existing trophies and the various Nationals, Annual and Postal Casting categories where trophies are relevant. This will show up any “gaps” in the trophies list and where future donations could be directed.
Agreed that there is a need to put together a catalogue of all of our trophies which would include photos, who donated, history and present holders etc. Clubs holding trophies to be asked to photograph those they hold at present, although the Secretary recommended that we should bring all trophies in so they could be inspected for damage or the need for tidying up etc. Kevin and Graeme to discus further.
Pania Club via Steve Wheeler donating trophy for Vet Mens Casting at Nationals and Graeme Spence has offered to donate a trophy.
Thoughts expressed about the need for trophies for the seeding positions but meeting was divided over this matter and so left in abeyance.
Bill reported he is still investigating the Top Club Trophies issue.
NZ Records and IGFA
Secretary reported on communications to & from the IGFA and read letter received from the World Body. The IGFA have confirmed that the rules we use in the NZ Records we administer are the IGFA ones, and they also thanked the Association for their long membership of that organisation and congratulated the NZACA on reaching 50 years.
Whilst the IGFA could not endorse the NZACA as the administers of the NZ Records for non-gamefish species, as it is not their policy to give such endorsements, their confirmation regarding the rules used must strengthen our position with regard to the NZ Records scene.
NZRFC Report was given by Bill Cronin.
Bill spoke to the differences and problems which are being raised by the NZBGFC lack of real support of the RFC. It is reported that the Big Game group want to take over the role currently undertaken by the Rec’ Fishing Council and if they could not do it by dominating Officer and Board positions then maybe by lack of financial support will achieve the same end. Currently the NZACA gives greater financial support to the RFC than does the BGFC due to our continued payment of the $1 per member from affiliation fees. This used to be the case by the NZBGFC a number of years back but they have ceased to do this thus dropping their financial contribution by some $30,000 each year.
Bill confirmed that the RFC is not “broke” and although finances were certainly tight the Council was still doing its job within the limits available.
The Chair confirmed this Association’s full support of the NZ Rec’ Fishing Council and ask Bill to pass this on to the Council and to use such in any way publicly that they so wished. There was now a need to move forward in a very positive manner
With the gap now created by the passing of Max, Sheryl Hart had stepped in to undertake some of the secretarial work as an interim measure. It will probably be impossible to find someone who could do all that Max was doing and the work would need to be shared out.
Bill reminded the meeting that a Trust has been set up in Max’s memory to make provision for the training of administrators in recreational fishing and it was hoped that some clubs and individuals would see their way clear to donate to this worthy cause.
MAF Report
Secretary drew attention to correspondence and articles in Fishing Magazines regarding “Shared Fisheries” and highlighted the need for clubs and members to keep an eye on these proposals as in many ways this was the old “Soundings” proposal in a different form. There is a need for the Association to respond to these proposals in some form or other.
The Chair reported briefly on the meeting with the Minister of Fisheries and a brief summary of what took place is available. A good meeting but no high expectations of any outcomes but we had “presented our credentials”.
A submission compiled basically by Stewart Hogg had been submitted on the Sustainable Fisheries issues.
2007 Nationals – New Plymouth
Communication received from the organising committee of change of venue for Headquarters and weigh-station. This will now be at the Sport Fishing Club Room at the Port due to the unavailability of the Sports Ground facilities. The meeting confirmed its agreement to this change. (B.Palmer/B.Edwards)
Has been confirmed that there will be at least one competitor from Australia again attending. Invites have been sent to the AAA but has not been pushed to the same extent as the 2006 Nationals, as 2007 is also the AAA bi-annual Nationals.
Kayaks – has been confirmed that these are classed as boats and the Host Club has decreed these will need to be launched from the same area as all other boats. If clubs wanted to “piggy-back” these on a motorized craft to get them to further away fishing spots then that was up to the clubs concerned. If the weather was foul then the harbour certainly available as a safe area for Kayaks to fish, as well as around the nearby islands. Meeting endorsed that the Host Club had the right to make the rules as regard the use of craft such as Kayaks, but that such rules could vary from Host Club to Host Club depending on the circumstances. It was pointed out that, for instance, a Host Club could make different rules for motorized craft as distinct from self-propelled craft. Reminded that it was not allowed to use such craft to access land-based fishing spots.
It was also pointed out that the WOMAD Festival was also now on the same weekend as the Nationals and this meant that accommodation would be very tight due to the popularity of this festival. Clubs to be reminded to firm up on their accommodation bookings as soon as possible.
Thanks and appreciation expressed to the NPSC for work done. Whilst there were email updates going out to Clubs about the 2007 event it was hoped that those clubs without such access were also being kept updated – Secretary to check.
2008 Nationals – Far North
Janine reported on her visit to the Far North and her discussions with members of the Ninety Mile Beach Surfcasting Club.
Despite the possible advantages of holding the Nationals close to the Ninety Mile Snapper Classic Tournament the Host Club were going for an April 2008 date so as to spread the work-load created by these other events. Shore fishing was no problem and perceived difficulties with the boat fishing had apparently been overcome. Issues regarding weigh-stations had been resolved. Prize-giving dinner will be in form of BBQ and HQ’s and function facilities all okay.
Biggest difficulty was in the Casting Events as there were no suitable large grounds available for the distance casting. No difficulty in finding suitable location for accuracy events. Surveyor, or access to measuring equipment, was also a problem as no resident private surveyors in this area, although an approach to the local Council was suggested as they may have such on their staff.
There was a possibility of a local farmer’s field but if it rained this would quickly pond. There were also the costs incurred in dropping and re-erecting fences. Dick reported that he may be able to source surveyor services from Whangarei.
Host Club has asked for consideration in either the Association helping in meeting the costs for surveying and fencing costs or the ability to raise casting entry fees to cover such.
Kawerau Club have offered to stage a “Nationals” Casting Event at some suitable date if felt necessary to move the casting away on this one-off occasion. Meeting was reminded that at the previous meeting it had been confirmed that Casting should remain a part of the Nationals.
Meeting agreed to hold this whole matter over for a future meeting as there was still plenty of time available and that members give further thought to issues involved and further research be done.
Tidelines
Latest issue now available. Mike reported that he and Jim O’Brien were continuing to put this together from information that could glean from various sources because not a great deal was forthcoming from clubs and to get such was like trying to get “blood out of stone”! Trying also to put together interesting articles regarding New Plymouth and the forthcoming Nationals as a means to attract contestants, but again finding difficulties in sourcing information suitable.
Over 400 on database of addresses with many being overseas addresses. Secretary also reported that he forwards quite a number of copies on to email addresses he has. A problem in keeping databases up-to-date with people changing addresses etc. and the return of such emails takes time to process.
Many expressed difficulties in opening Tidelines. Pointed out that it was necessary to have the latest edition (7.0) of Adobe Reader which was free download on the Internet. Hotmail addresses also posed problems due to the size limit that could be sent to such. Editors sending Tidelines out as a pdf file as this was the most common form of sending such documents and took less space.
Suggested that Tidelines should be on at least the NZACA website, and preferably also the www.fishing.net.nz site. Mike to discuss with Phil Kettle to find the easiest way to arrange for such inclusion and those who can not open Tidelines via their emails could at least see it on the website. Plus giving this excellent Newsletter wider coverage and exposure.
Casting
Greg reported on moves to establish a training facility for casting where those with experience could assist those seeking such, especially Juniors. The need for this has been highlighted from communications on Message Board on the Website under the auspices of TackleTactics. Casting personnel meeting this weekend, at Kawerau, to discuss the best ways of meeting this need (a “Think Tank”). Whilst not an NZACA initiative, those concerned are NZACA Members. This “academy” was seen as a trial and forerunner of maybe a similar venture for angling.
The meeting discussed a proposal from Greg regarding using positions competitors achieved rather than points earned to ascertain the top casting club at the Nationals for that new Top Club Award.
The meeting agreed that a scoring of the final finishing positions will be used at the 2007 Nationals across all categories to find the four top casters who would make up the total for deciding the Top Club Trophy (G.Smeal/D.Lash)
Portable NZACA Tournament Facility
Greg spoke further to his idea of having a facility which enabled the Association to stage regional tournaments/nationals in locations where there may not be a suitable NZACA Member Club to host such. This was based around a suitably equipped vehicle that could be used as an HQ that could be taken to a location to provide a fully functional facility to run such events. His inquiries to date showed that there may be little difficulty in finding sponsorship for some of the fittings and equipment required and the biggest cost would be a suitable vehicle.
The meeting was in agreement with the concept and endorsed the principle and gave Mike the go-ahead to continue his research to funding etc. (M.Stempa/M.Roberts)
AGM Format
Secretary to prepare “dummy Agenda” for further discussion
“Most Meritorious” Awards
The Secretary tabled a paper prepared by Brent Rolston and Dick Lash spoke to this as he had been in discussion with Brent regarding this matter.
Meeting was in agreement that we should move away from a straight fish weight/line strength ratio formulae and take in a more human element in deciding what was the most meritorious catch for the Mustad Golden Hook, Cyril Hoskin Memorial Trophy, Daiwa Cup, NZ Fishing News Trophy and the Rapala Cup.
In many instances there was often only one application for these awards. Often also Application Forms were not fully completed so information pertaining to the catch was not available. Consideration needed also to be given in the time available to make decisions taking into account the end of the year and the date of the prize-giving.
Secretary pointed out the Application Form used for Award applications, Pins, Certificates and Records is being revamped to take into account the decision made at the last AGM to phase out Association Records for most species in favour of NZ Records.
Secretary to send out to Members a draft of the new Application Form and a read-out of the Application Summary of last year so that people could give further consideration as to what factors should be taken into account to bring in a human element to deciding what is a most meritorious catch.
Who is the Best Angler at the Nationals ?
Greg spoke to his discussion paper which had been circulated prior to the meeting and the ideas expressed in a similar paper previously tabled by Stewart Hogg on the subject of heaviest/most fish verses number of species etc. caught at the Nationals.
Looking for the “best angler” not the “best fisher” and there is a difference. Nationals should be a matter of skill - not who can catch the most or heaviest fish.
Agreed that a lot depends on the location of the Nationals as to what species are available. Host Club, at present, also has the right to decide which species are being competed for. However the concept that competitors, who can present the most species, has merit in deciding who is the best angler. This may open up the number of eligible species.
Meeting agreed that the discussion paper should now be circulated to clubs for their input and thoughts. There is possibly not enough time to make any radical changes prior to the 2007 Nationals.
Kiwi Tackle Club
Background - A Don Boddie had contacted Secretary giving details of a new venture he was setting up as a means by which fishers could source recreational fishing at affordable prices and at the same time giving a means of returning funding to national fishing associations, and the like, for the promotion and protection of the fisheries. Following distribution of the publicity material the Secretary invited Mr. Boddie to address the Executive at this meeting.
The Chair welcomed Don to the meeting
Don addressed the meeting, thanking for the opportunity to do so. He briefly told of his background in the sports marketing business and active in the field of sponsorship, strategic planning and fund-raising. A member of the Kiwi Boating Club, fished the Ngawi Big Three Tournament and others, and involved in the Camp Hohepa scheme in the lower North Island.
He then spoke to concept of an on-line tackle club sourcing and supplying tackle products to his Tackle Club Members and a means of providing funds for organisations such as the NZACA as well as incentive schemes for the increase in numbers in the club. His objective once established was at least 20,000 members, probably mostly sourced from those who don’t belong to fishing clubs or the like. His expectation is that the Tackle Club will become a commercial force.
He said the concept is not new, although the idea of returning a percentage of the profits back to national organisations etc. is. Sure he was out to make money for himself, as any business person is, but he also had a passion about recreational fishing and thus his ideas to support in a real way this on-going interest.
He could not be specific as to how much, or when, funds could be shared out to organisations as the club had yet to become fully established. Funding allocations would also depend on how they would be used in the overall concept of the promotion and protection of recreational fisheries.
Don answered questions from members which included the mechanics of the compulsory $25 per month payment, the make-up of the optional $25 saleable packs, the “banking’ concept, the tracking of payments made from members of anyone organisation etc. etc. Also the relationship between the Club and existing tackle retailers and wholesalers, especially those with whom the Association has a sponsorship type relationship. Don told of his discussions with the likes of TackleTactics and their support of his scheme. He was not going to offer cut-price products, rather good products at the best sourced prices. His was basically an on-line shop with other benefits and rewards for participation.
After questions and discussions the Chair thanked Don for his presentation and that the Secretary would be in touch on how the Executive felt about the proposals. Don thanked everyone for the opportunity and left the meeting.
Consequent discussion gave a generalized support to the concept and felt that as the Association was not putting forward any funds we did not have a great deal to lose by endorsing the product. There were some concerns as to what would happen to club member funds held if the company folded but generally felt Don Boddie, being the business person he was, would have covered this risk factor. Basically it was up to individuals to decide if they wanted to join such a club, although there was nothing to stop fishing clubs, or the like, taking out membership at the entry levels as there was the possibility of funding direct back to them as their individual club members joined up at the next or consequent levels. The Executive agreed to pass on the information to the greater membership and make whatever appropriate avenues open for the exposure of this club concept.
Next Meeting
Will be held in Rotorua on the 28th.October.
The Chair has asked that routine business be kept to a minimum and that we devote the majority of the meeting to discussing and brainstorming the following :-
- Membership – how to attract more members and clubs ?
- Sponsorship – how to better look after who we have and attract additional ?
- Who and what are we responsible for ? Who and what do we represent ? How can we do better for such ?
Members are asked to give thoughtful consideration to the above, discuss with others in your clubs and come prepared for a meaningful discussion.
An apology received from Betty Edwards for this meeting as she will be away.
The meeting closed at 12.30pm with the chair expressing thanks to Ann Dawber
for the provision of refreshments at these Rotorua based meetings.
Secretarial addition
Due to an omission a discussion topic on the 50th.Anniverasry Booklet was not discussed. Executive Members being asked to conduct an on-line discussion on this topic so that decisions could be reached and necessary actions put in place.
Other Agenda Items held over :- MAF Statement of Intent
Note new contact details :-
Kevin Pulman : Executive Member, Trophies Officer, Line Tester
Phone 09 416 5557
Mobile 021 121 4295
Email km.pulman@hotmail.com
