Tata reels in a biggie

CELEBRATION: Gisborne Tatapouri Sports Fishing Club club captain Dave “Scruffy” Wallace (left) and club president Roger Faber are rapt with the news the Tata has been named club of the year by the New Zealand Sports Fishing Council. Picture by Liam Clayton

The biggest club in the city has been recognised nationally.

Gisborne Tatapouri Sports Fishing Club has been awarded Club of the Year by the New Zealand Sports Fishing Council.

The club’s 5100 adult members make up 12 percent of the district’s population. Add to that the children who frequent the club with their parents, relatives and guardians, it is more than 20 percent of the population, the club estimates.

It is also the biggest fishing club in New Zealand.

Club captain Dave “Scruffy” Wallace said getting the award was a reflection of what the club gave back to the community.

The fishing club won the award out of 55 clubs in New Zealand.

“They felt we were best at interacting with the community and members,” said Mr Wallace.

Other attributes judges considered included the site of the club and that it continued to grow membership.

“We were one of only two clubs that submitted growing membership.”

The club moved into No.2 wharf shed more than 25 years ago and was the first business in the area.

One factor why the club got the award was because it was proactive in the community.

“Especially with competitions where we raise money for community groups and individuals who need help including $25,000 raised for Gisborne Child Cancer this year.”

Another factor also was the support the club had from its sponsors, said Mr Wallace.

The club will officially receive the cup at the end of September.