$20k raised for LegaSea

Geoff Thomas (left) with Neil Price and Sir Graham Henry at a charity auction for fishery conservation at Hawke's Bay Sports Fishing Club last week. Photo / Sue Price

A Napier charity auction featuring two high-profile Kiwis raised $20,000 in the spirit of fishery conservation.

Hawke's Bay Sports Fishing Club publicity officer Neil Price said the auction was held to raise funds for LegaSea, a public outreach initiative by the New Zealand Sport Fishing Council to conserve fisheries.

Hosted by the fishing club, it drew about 150 people last Thursday night, including former All Black coach Sir Graham Henry and Outdoors with Geoff presenter Geoff Thomas, who both shared anecdotes with the audience.

Guests bid on items such as signed All Black jerseys and a helicopter ride, with $20,000 raised in total.

Mr Price said guests were in high spirits and the night was "a great success".

The Hawke's Bay Sports Fishing Club this month asked the Napier City Council to spend $400,000 to buy a third-share of its boat launching ramp.

The club said the proposal, put to councillors at a meeting last week, would enable it to clear its debt and provide a small annual return on the council's investment.

The club is the largest of four fishing clubs in Hawke's Bay, with about 1000 members, but has struggled financially during the past 10 years.

Its declining income meant it was finding it difficult to service a loan of about $250,000, originally raised to fund the construction of its boat launching ramp.