"We're delighted," Mr Stewart said. "We've got [Northland MP] Mike Sabin to thank for his input; he's stood by us from the start, and he's done a good job. And it's good to know that the Far North has done the rest of New Zealand a favour.
"It was the Snapper Bonanza that achieved this result. Some event organisers threw their hands up and walked away but we stuck to our guns, and we've come up smiling."
Mr Sabin was equally delighted that the contest's future had been secured, after working with the organisers for more than a year to help demonstrate the problematic nature of such events complying with the Gambling Act and its raft of rules.
"This is the largest land-based fishing contest in the country. It is a showcase event not only for Northland but New Zealand, and the challenges created in complying with the Act created uncertainty, added costs and unnecessary red tape which threatened its future," he said.
"I am pleased to say that, working with Dave and John, we were able to highlight the issues and achieve a pragmatic, common sense solution. I am grateful for the Minister's support in working through this with the Department of Internal Affairs."
Public consultation on the discussion document had showed that the rules were too restrictive and the paperwork required onerous.
It was also clear that gambling was not the primary purpose of events such as the Snapper Bonanza, meaning the regulations weren't required. The proposed exemption from the Act meant that organisers would be able to offer spot prizes, regardless of their value, without needing to apply for a licence.
"I am very pleased for Dave and John, and want to acknowledge how hard and constructively they have worked to help bring about a positive result," Mr Sabin added.
