Tangaroa Trust needs support

On a stunning Wellington day in January 2007, Bryce Dinneen was swimming on the waterfront. Bryce dove in striking the seafloor headfirst, breaking his neck instantly. At the age of 29, Bryce was left a C4 tetraplegic for the rest of his life leaving him with just 4% body function. 

Before his accident, Bryce was a mad keen fisho, a passion that he still has today. During his recovery Bryce made the decision that he would fish again, not limiting his dream to himself but anyone with a disability! 

It was then that Bryce founded the Wish 4 Fish Charitable Trust, the goal of the trust was to take people with disabilities fishing and enjoy the ocean. After ten years of hard mahi and taking 350 individuals out on the ocean, Bryce raised $2.4m and built a purpose-designed catamaran. Wish 4 Fish operate this vessel to this day. 

Bryce was recognised for his services to disabled people recently by receiving the Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MZNM). 

Over the years Bryce realised that his goal of taking people with disabilities out fishing wasn’t the end game. He understood that there was a need to support anyone on their health and wellbeing journey. Given the goals for Wish 4 Fish had been met, he decided that it was time to change the focus to providing anyone with the support they need to live a life of peace, fulfilment, and meaning – with a focus on mental health. The Tangaroa Trust was born.

Fish on! Still a mad keen fisho, Bryce caught this nice kingie using his specially designed ‘Striker’ recently while fishing out of the Tangaroa Trust’s retreat in Whangaroa, hosted by Nautilus Charters and Pacific Harbour Lodge. 

In the early days of Wish 4 Fish, Bryce worked alongside his good mate Mark Read. At the time Mark was an airline pilot but had many years of experience working with not-for-profits including the NZ Red Cross. Mark designed the organisational structure and wrote the strategic and business plans for Wish 4 Fish for the acquisition of their new vessel.  

Mark retired from a 25-year flying career in 2019 and took up the role of General Manager of the Whakatane Sportfishing Club, a position he resigned from in April this year. With a shared sense of Manaakitanga the old firm is now back together working on this new project.

The Tangaroa Trust has the goal of supporting individuals or organisations with health and well-being, with a focus on mental health support, using the magic that can only be found on the Moana. The trust has amazing clinical backing to provide professional services as required.

The Tangaroa Trust needs support! 

If your business would like to be involved with this high-profile organisation, they would love to hear from you to discuss options. If you would like to simply donate, please scan here: https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/tangaroa-trust-start-up-fund

To learn more about the Tangaroa Trust, their services, and how you can help, please contact Bryce at 021 616 601 or [email protected]. If you would like to become a partner or sponsor of the trust contact Mark on 021 585 553 or [email protected].

 - Tangaroa Trust