Christmas Greetings to you all

 

The Officers and Executive of Your Association wish you all the compliments of the Season and trust the New Year will be all that you wish it to be.

 

We know for some families it will be a time of a little sadness due to the fact that loved ones who were with them last Christmas are no longer with them this year. It is with sadness that we record the passing recently of another very faithful supporter of the Association and of the local club scene. Mr Noel Baty of New Plymouth was one of those characters who seem to have always been around and had an ever presence in recreational fishing circles. A Past President of the NZACA and a founding member and Past President and Patron of the New Plymouth Surfcasting Club and up until quite recently a regular contributor to the Fishing Mags’. The experience, knowledge and wisdom of people like Noel are surely missed.  Our condolences to the Baty family.

************************************

I know this Newsletter will be received by Club Secretaries, or whoever, at a time when clubs have probably wound down for the Christmas period. However there is much in here which needs your attention. We urge you to carefully consider the contents and maybe have discussion with other key members of your club so that actions as required can be taken.  Our appreciation goes to those who are in receipt of NZACA mailings for the work they do on our behalf. You are our channel of communication and link between the national organisation and the individual club member – a very vital link in the chain – thank you.

************************************************

2008 National Championships

                By now you should have all received the entry forms from the Hosts – the Ninety Mile Beach Surfcasting Club.  If you have not had these contact me urgently please.

                They tell me April is the best month for the best fish in the Far North and being just that little bit later in the year means we are away from some of the other pressures which are around earlier.  This means we should have a great turn-out for what will be a great event.  If you have never been to a National Championships don’t let this one slip by without your club being represented.

 

NZACA Trophies

                We would like these all returned as soon as possible. Please send them to our Trophies Officer, Kevin Pulman at 24 West Harbour Drive, Massey, Auckland.

                I know some have been in the practice of taking these to the Nationals but unfortunately in some cases we then find they are in need of repair or engraving etc., or some don’t turn up at all and then it is too late.  So please this year could you forward them to Kevin as soon as practical.

                Reminder – the cost of engraving is the recipient or their clubs responsibility. If returned un-engraved then either you will be sent an account or the trophy will remain un-engraved for that year, and that would be a pity.

 

AGM’s  –  you either like ‘em or dislike ‘em – however they are a necessary fact of life for any organisation.  We do or best these days to keep them as short as possible by trying to deal with routine matters via Postal Voting.  Some matters need to be discussed however and that discussion is better if Clubs are aware of the subject matter before the meeting. So if your club has any matter they wish to be raised at the AGM please contact me urgently so we can discuss how best to handle such.  Formal Remits and Matters for General Business need to be sent to the National Office as soon as possible so they can be forwarded out to clubs to discuss prior to the meeting.

                The official notification of the AGM (to be held on the 16^th.April at Kaitaia) will be sent out next month.

                In the Minutes with this Newsletter are some very important matters which affect every member of your club. We urge you to read them, discuss these matters and get feed-back back to this office as soon as practical.  Some of your discussions may lead you to making AGM Remits yourself.  This is important – it affects your club!

 

Postal Casting

                Not sure of numbers as yet but I have a feeling they may be down on last year. I know of at least two clubs who held a casting day but the results were never sent in ! With the handicap system everyone has a chance so it is a pity when some miss that opportunity.  Casting is going to be a matter of much discussion in the days to come and how we can lift the profile of this fast growing world sport here in NZ.  Wouldn’t it be great if we could one day send a team to the World Champs ? Again read the Executive Minutes on this matter.

 

Records, Trophies, Pins & Awards

                Again there is disappointment at the numbers of applications we have this year.  I realise that records are getting harder to break but remember since we adopted the NZ Records system for the Association Records there are many gaps to be filled especially in the Ladies sections as we no longer have just an Open Category.

                What is more disappointing is the lack of applications which can be considered when allocating our Annual Awards and Trophies. Again I think there will be a number which will stay in the box.  Often it does not have to be a big catch to take out the Annual Award.  The good news is that there is still a little time.  You have until the 31^st.December (or soon after as possible – includes catches up to end of December) to get applications in. Have a look at your Manuals – see what Trophies are on offer – and then look back over your club catches throughout the year to see if any fit the criteria – and then quickly send in an Application.  Junior Awards in particular should take your attention as this encourages the young to stay in the sport – nothing quite like a fine trophy on the mantelpiece to give incentive.

                Note also that for Records it is important that you complete the question on what line class you are applying for.  Remember you can apply for a record in a line class higher that your line breaking strain. Check with NZACA Office or websites for latest update on records.

 

Club promotion – heard the other day that one local club put a float in their local Christmas Parade. One good way of publicising the club I thought – maybe an idea for others.

 

 

AAA National Championships – the Aussie Nationals are being held in South Australia (up the coast from Adelaide) in March 2009.  We have a team going.  If you want to know more contact the National Office.

 

 Our Patron – Bill Hohepa – Remember Bill is keen to assist Clubs where he can and give your club publicity and promote the NZACA at every opportunity. You can contact him direct or through this Office. His Camp Hohepa program for kids is really worth your support as well.

 

Membership & Finances – These are issues which involved much discussion at the recent Executive Meeting. Are you a club which has “fallen by the wayside” and not paid your affiliation fees ?  There is much that your Association does on your behalf which does not hit the headlines but that does not mean it’s not important – it is – and we need the resources to enable us to carry on that work on your behalf – your membership to make this a strong viable organisation is important.  How are your RAFFLE ticket selling going – all sold yet ?  Money sent into Nick Polak ?

 

Kahawai Legal Challenge Appeal – yes this is still on and every dollar received towards this helps. Send your donations to the RFC (P.O. Box 238, Raglan).  Yes we are in there with the RFC fighting on your behalf.

 

Kayak Fishing – if you are connected with or know of people who are into this form of fishing did you know that the NZACA is moving to become the national body to serve the needs of this fast growing group.  There will be trophies at the Nationals for fishing caught from self-propelled craft and we are setting up a special section within the boating category to look after records etc. for fish caught from such craft.  Spread the word around the kayakers are most welcome in this organisation.

 

Well for another month that is my lot and I guess for 2007 that’s my lot as well.  We have some tremendous challenges ahead for 2008 and to see us on hopefully for another 50 years but we can only meet these if we are working together.  2007 saw a number of issues which we faced up to and met and we hope we are the better for it. Thank you for your support and remember we here on the national front are only acting on your behalf, trying to serve you and your organisation. Have a good Christmas and tight lines.