Federation AGM

The New Zealand Federation of Freshwater Anglers Inc held a most successful AGM and Conference in Christchurch on 10^th and 11^th March and several matters of major importance to Freshwater Anglers were discussed .

There were also some changes to our Federation Executive .

Our President for the past three years, Jim Hale, of Palmerston North retired at the end of his term and there was genuine regret at Jims departure from the position Jim has been a stalwart in advocacy for our precious resource and has worked unceasingly for its protection. As immediate Past President, Jims continuing input in to Federation affairs will be most welcome.

Our Secretary Phil Shields also retired and his contribution was recognised with genuine applause .

The new Executive structure is as follows :

• President : Alan McMillan P.O.Box 5317 Dunedin
• Secretary Dave Fitton P.O.Box 11043 Dunedin
• Treasurer Sonia Irain-Patterson P.O.Box 50629 Porirua
• Research Officer Ken Sims 63 Maxwells Line Palmerston North
• Past President Jim Hale No 5 R.D. Kairanga Palmerston North
• Executive North Island :
  • Mike Batty 10 Kyeemagh Street, Howick Auckland
  • Tom Johnston 335A Devon Street West New Plymouth
  • Brian Lowe, 1 McGrath Street Napier
  • Strato Cotsilinis P.O.Box 745 Wellington
  • Robyn Shirkey Napier
• Executive South Island .
  • Ian Cole P.O.Box 409 Wanaka
  • Roland Jaspers 26 Montclaire Street Christchurch .
  • Russell Mckendry Parapara Beach Rd R.D. 2 Takaka Golden Bay
  • Tony Orman P.O.Box 939 Blenheim .

The South Island Members are therefore one short of their allocated numbers and the President is seeking interest in Southland to fill this gap .

We are most fortunate to continue to have the services of Sonia Irain-Patterson as Treasurer and Ken Sims as Reseach Officer. Both contribute to a stable base for our Executive and their services are invaluable to the Federation

Guests and  Speakers

Guests welcomed during the weekend were :

• Bryce Johnson Director Fish & Game NZ
• Frank Murphy President Professional Guides Association
• Wayne McCallum Environment Officer North Canterbury Fish & Game
• Mr Jay Graybill South Canterbury Fish & Game
• Ron Dougherty President Salmon Anglers Association

and we particularly welcomed visiting members :

• Gordon Brown Oamaru Anglers
• Bill Armstrong Oamaru Anglers
• Allan & Mrs Ferris South Canterbury Anglers
• Allan Fife Canterbury Fly Fishers
• Granville Holmes Canterbury Flyfishers

Our guest speakers contributed greatly to the success of the weekend. Bryce Johnson gave a most informative presentation on those issues which Fish & Game are actively involved in at a political level and answered a number of questions which were concerning members . Bryce also responded positively to criticism that National Fish & Game should be more proactive than it has been on matters of national interest and should adopt a higher public profile in defence of the resource . We all look forward to working closely with Bryce on matters of mutual interest in the future

Wayne MCCallum gave a fascinating dissertation on freshwater environmental matters and the Fish & Game organisation will miss his work now that he has decided to pursue an academic course in the near future .

Jay Graybill Gave a most informative presentation on the subject of water extraction , the effects of irrigation and the potential for major problems in his area .

Frank Murphy illuminated most issues with his view of the topics discussed and Ron Dougherty presented the Salmon Anglers overview of the state of the salmon resource .

Remits:

There were 6 remits presented but one was withdrawn after settlement of the issue involved prior to the AGM .

Remit No 1:
That the NZFFWA urge the Government to strengthen the laws with regard to prohibiting the charging for access to fishing an hunting by a simple rewording of the relevant Act. ( Marlborough Freshwater Anglers Club )

Remit No 2:
Withdrawn

Remit No 3 :
That the NZFFWA continue to lobby Government to pass the " Conservation ( Protection of Trout as Non Commercial Species ) Ammendment Bill into law and to oppose any alteration to this Bill which we consider would weaken the protection to trout that it affords ( Tom Johnston)

Remit No 4 :
That the NZFFWA continue to raise awareness of the need to provide protection for headwater fisheries ( Tom Johnston )

Remit No 5:
That the NZFFWA continue to lobby Government and express our concerns over the effect irrigation programs and Hydro power schemes are having on river water quality and levels .(Tom Johnston)

Remit No 6 :
That the NZFFWA give serious consideration to how it can increase public awareness of the activities it undertakes ( Tom Johnston )

All of these remits attracted a great deal of discussion and support from members and all were accepted by unanimous vote .
We will address all of these issues in the coming months ,

At the conclusion of proceedings a decision was taken to hold the next Annual Conference and AGM in Wellington and a generous round of applause was given by the meeting to recognise the excellent program and organisation arranged by the Canterbury Fly Fishing Club and particularly to thank Roland Jaspers, of that club, and a committee member, for his work on behalf of us all .

Alan McMillan - President

Federation of Freshwater Anglers office bearers from left.. Ken Sims (research officer), Jim Hale (retiring president), Alan McMillan (newly elected president).