ALL SMILES: Danny with the catch of the day. PHOTO/SUPPLIED
ALL SMILES: Danny with the catch of the day. PHOTO/SUPPLIED
Recently I was involved with the organisation of a fishing trip on Lake Okaro for 31 children with haemophilia. The children, aged 4 - 14 from around the country had declared that they would like to experience trout fishing while they were at the annual national convention held this yearin Rotorua.
The day itself was wonderful. While only five fish were caught I am sure all the children had a day to remember. What made the day extra special was the support I received from local businesses and the Rotorua anglers club members.
Two businesses in particular went out of their way to ensure the event was a success. Kilwell lent a large number of rods, reels, landing nets and lures for use and the Outdoorsman Headquarters gave a number of great prizes.
As I knew it was going to be difficult to work with such a large group of kids who had never fished before I was also very grateful for the members of the Rotorua Anglers Club who turned up to help out. They were magnificent and the way they helped the youngsters by patiently teaching them casting techniques and the basic skills was hugely appreciated. The fact that they gave up their time on that most important day in the angling calendar, opening day, did not go unnoticed.
Perhaps it is time that Rob Kent and Reynold Macpherson sat down and talked to each other.
As an ardent follower of the Rotorua Daily Post and Rotorua local body politics (albeit from university in Dunedin), there is nothing more frustrating than seeing a new letter every other day on the RDP website, with one of them indirectly attacking or blaming the other for their failed election attempts.
No matter how they try sell it to the public, the largest share of votes went to Steve Chadwick (with almost 3000 votes more than any other candidate). Both Reynold and Rob are more than welcome to run again in three years, but in the meantime could they leave their blame, cynicism and petty squabbles out of the local paper?
