"The iwi has committed to three years' sponsorship, giving us security that we have never had before, meaning we can start marketing future events as soon as 2019 is over."
Ngai Takoto CEO Rangitane Marsden said there was no doubting the extent to which the competition benefited the Far North economy, but it was also an opportunity for international branding of the iwi's story.
Given the huge numbers of people from around New Zealand and overseas who fish the competition, it's a good opportunity to highlight the special features that Te Hiku has to offer those from outside the region," he said.
Meanwhile the process of inviting this year's contestants to buy their 2019 tickets before October 26, and to reserve their 'lucky number' for another year, had begun.
Tickets were once again selling for $275 until January 31, after which they would cost $320.
All tickets sold before January 31 would go into a draw for a Seahorse Kontiki package worth $4575.
Go to www.snapperbonanza.co.nz.