The New Zealand Recreational Fishing Council

The NZRFC is a Council of national affiliates, regional associations, clubs and individual members.

The Council has the following objectives:

1.To be an advocate for the sustainable utilisation of fisheries resources in New Zealand so that the non-commercial fishing public haveaccess to abundant fisheries;

2.To actively participate in fisheries management, acting in the best interests and for the benefit of the non-commercial fishing public in New Zealand;

3.To educate and inspire the fishing public on a pathway to stewardship of the fisheries resources;

4.To foster a change process to a better future for all who fish in New Zealand for food or fun, thereby building the capacity of the fishing public to exercise stewardship of New Zealand’s fisheries resources;

5.To act in a manner consistent with the Treaty of Waitangi 1840;

6.To liaise and cooperate with like organisations when that will further the objectives of the Council.
 

 The Council holds an Annual General Meeting and Conference annually in the month of July. The Venue varies and the meeting is hosted by one of the member organisations. Prior to each conference nominations are called for the election of delegates to represent the public sector members. This election process occurs between the months of March to June each year.

The persons elected (for a one year term) take up office at the following Annual General Meeting. Nominations are also called for the positions of President and two Vice Presidents for election for a one year term plus for replacement Executive Board members elected for a two year term. The Officers and Board members control the Council and carry out duties as allotted by the Council.

The Council is involved in many issues affecting recreational fishers plus in the processes of management and consultation carried out by the Government. The Council is recognised by the Government as representing the recreational fishers and public (by default) as it is the only body fully representing all types of fishers in NZ.

The processes and consultation involved includes Stock Assessment, Research Planning, Total Allowable Catch (TAC) & Total Allowable Commercial Catch (TACC) Setting, Management and Regulation Reviews, Cost Recovery, Act Review and Select Committee representation. This involves the Council in upward of 80 days of meetings per year.

For more information about the RFC, please visit the RFC web site.