West Auckland boat club’s annual fishing competition raises thousands for Child Cancer Foundation

West Auckland's Te Atatū Boating club has reeled in $14,500 for the New Zealand Child Cancer Foundation with its annual fishing competition.

The Inner Harbour Fishing Competition organised by club manager Dan White saw anglers take to the Waitemata Harbour before returning to auction off their prized catch for charity.

White says the funds raised will make a significant difference for the families supported by the foundation.

“It’s a very worthy cause; the organisation does wonderful things in our community and we’re proud to support it.”

He says fish caught during the competition are auctioned off and often bought by the same people who caught them, doubling their contribution.

The biggest catch of the day was a 4.16kg snapper.

Corporate Partnerships manager for the Child Cancer Foundation Dan Downing says the fishing competition is a “unique event and the Child Cancer Foundation is so proud to be a part of it.”

Although there were fewer boats than last year, Downing says the day was a huge success.

White says the event always sees strong support from local businesses.

“The community engagement is always outstanding for this event.

“[This is] largely made up of local West Auckland businesses... Barfoot and Thompson Glendene, Norcross Fishing World in Henderson and Icey-Tek".

Organisers say that the total amount raised by the community largely reflects this ongoing support over recent years.

“The funds raised from this event have grown significantly over the past 4 years and it’s extremely positive to see such high community engagement for worthy causes” says White.

The Te Atatū Boating Club says they hope to continue their support of the Child Cancer Foundation with more events in the future.

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