At the risk of failing to acknowledge everyone’s contribution, it has been a privilege to receive encouragement from so many clubs, businesses and individuals.

From Houhora and Mangonui fishing clubs in the north, Tauranga and Waihau Bay in the east, Opunake and Mokau fishing clubs out west, Himatangi Beach and Marlborough fishers in the mid-regions and Pegasus Bay and Canterbury fishers in the south.

Dive clubs, yacht clubs, Utter Chaos and Thor Charters, Tightlines Television, Black Magic Tackle, Haines Hunter, Paul’s Fishing Kites, Quadprint Colorpress, Hesketh Henry Lawyers, Stuart Ryan, Bruce Galloway and the New Zealand Fishing News magazine have all made a difference to this campaign.

This support has been a life-line for the team striving to increase public awareness and explain the value of investing in our children’s fishing future.

Two people who recognise the significance of the Challenge are Alberto Ramirez and Paul Beaumont, from the Akitio Boating Club in Dannevirke. Alberto won this year’s fishing competition for heaviest kahawai caught from a boat and Paul’s kahawai was land-based. Instead of pocketing their $200 prize they both asked the club to send their winnings to the KLC Fund.

Big Fish Fishing Club based in East Auckland has sent through a cheque for $500 from their members and committed to continue raising money for the Fund.

Also topping up the fund is the recent cheque for $518 from the New Zealand Recreational Fishing Council’s Kahawai account.

Another notable effort is the $1,900 contribution from Kaikoura Boating Club’s 380 members.

Just north of Kaikoura, based in Blenheim, the Marlborough Recreational Fishers Association’s 120 members have raised more than $4,000 from both members and club-organised events. Their neighbours, the Marlborough Angling and Surfcasting Club, have contributed $300 over the past three years.

In addition to the initial underwrite of $100,000 and donation of $25,000 from the New Zealand Big Game Fishing Council, many of the Big Game clubs have contributed separately.

Recently, Counties Sports Fishing Club agreed to increase their member’s Kahawai levy from $3 to $5 per member. Contributions from their 753 members now total more than $5,000 over the past four years.

This support and generosity from many other individuals and organisations has inspired the Challenge team to maintain their resolve to achieve “more fish in the water” so that we can pass onto our children a legacy of healthy and abundant fisheries.

Many thanks to you all and most importantly to the underwriter who has covered the present shortfall to ensure the Kahawai team remains intact.

Kia kaha!