Preparations are under way for the annual Kaeo Fish and Pig Hunt, the profits of which go toward keeping Northland Coastguard on the water or the emergency helicopter in the air.
It's not all about getting the big one - the event provides a lot of fun as well as the chance for young or old fishers and intrepid pig hunters to take part in a staunch, outdoor Kiwi tradition.
Kaeo Pig Hunting Club president Ross Guy says organisers are hoping for a good turnout and good catches, especially after "a mongrel of a weekend" put the dampener on last year's ticket sales and bags. Only about seven boar were brought in for judging, compared with 20 the previous year and over 40 the year before.
This year's fish and hunt will start on Thursday, August 15, with the weigh-in and prize giving on Saturday, August 17. The $30 tickets go on sale the Wednesday before or can be bought at the muster and weigh-in venue, the picturesque Whangaroa Game Fishing Club.
Free entertainment, hangi and kai moana would be among the treats for spectators and entrants, with the headquarters usually a lively place where old hunting mates and family members catch up and the community gets involved, Mr Guy said.
The pool includes two days of spot prizes, a set of 4X 4 tyres and another for $1000; $50 for the average weight pig; $500 for heaviest boar, $300 and $200 for second and third; $250 for the best tusks.
The heaviest fish will win someone $200, and the closest to the average weight will earn $300. Kids under 12 have free entry and can win $50, $30 and $20 for the biggest, second and third-sized snapper and eels.
Mr Guy said offering higher prizes for the average weights was aimed at encouraging entrants to bring in their catches and kills, not just the big ones.
While the killing fields and fishing grounds are "wide open", as usual the judges will be looking out for catches that don't meet the "fresh" criteria.
And when it comes to the piggies, only wild ones will do, Mr Guy said.