Another exciting season of New Zealand’s biggest fishing competition – The Export NZ Fishing Competition – has come to an end, and we’ve just announced our grand prize winner alongside our end-of-season champion anglers and species prize recipients.

The Export NZ Fishing Competition is New Zealand’s original nationwide, free-to-enter, measure-based, online fishing competition. Established in 2014, it allows anglers from around the country to compete by targeting New Zealand’s most popular inshore species in a sustainable, fish-friendly format. Because entries are based on length rather than weight, anglers can choose to keep their catch or release it at their discretion.

One of the competition’s biggest strengths is that you don’t have to be the country’s best angler to be a winner. While the leaderboards provide plenty of motivation for those chasing top honours and bragging rights, the competition is equally focused on rewarding participation. Every approved catch entered throughout the season automatically goes into the draw to win from a prize pool worth more than $50,000. Monthly challenges, random prize draws, and a variety of special promotions create fresh opportunities to win all season long.

This year’s grand prize winner is Julius Kolk, whose 63.5cm snapper, entered in December, was randomly drawn from all approved catches submitted throughout the season. Julius has won an incredible trip for two to stunning Niue, featuring a seven-day itinerary that includes deluxe accommodation, three days on the water, and the opportunity to explore one of the Pacific’s most spectacular island destinations.

While the curtain has fallen on another successful season, the next chapter is already underway. The new season, running from June 1, 2026, to May 31, 2027, is now open, and planning has commenced for a new line-up of sponsors, prizes, and exciting competition enhancements that we can’t wait to share with members in the months ahead.

To learn more about The Export NZ Fishing Competition, click here. You can also view the full list of end-of-season prize winners and champion anglers here.

- NZFishing News