‘Nine ways to catch a fish’

Fish & Game says launch of new fishing licences offers ‘nine ways to catch a fish’

Fish & Game New Zealand is preparing to introduce four new types of fishing licence to provide more choice and flexibility – so both current anglers or newcomers to the sport can buy a licence that “best fits their lifestyle.”

“Our research has shown that anglers want a lot more choice so they can buy a licence that best fits their personal circumstances, their lifestyle and age and stage,” says Chief Executive Bryce Johnson.

“Now with the introduction of four new types of licence, it means there are ‘nine different ways to catch a fish’ – whether you are a hard-core angler who fishes all year or a holidaymaker who plans to fish for just a few days, you’ll find the licence to suit your needs.”

Mr Johnson says the new range of licences was designed after Fish & Game undertook a significant review of its licensing system to ensure it was meeting people’s changing needs.

“We canvased the views of licence holders in a major research project – the new licence categories are the direct result of that process.”

Mr Johnson says the changes represent Fish & Game’s biggest overhaul of the licensing system for some time. Last year a new Non-Resident Licence was introduced for overseas visitors which brought New Zealand in line with other countries.

The four new licence categories on sale from 20 August 2015 (for the new fishing season beginning 1 October, 2015 ) are Loyal Senior Licence, Local Area Licence, Short Break Licence and Long Break Licence.

Mr Johnson says that a whole season (full year) licence priced at $124 remains Fish & Game’s “premium” product, offering a full year’s fishing anywhere in the country, except Taupo which has a separate licence administered by the Department of Conservation.

The Loyal Senior Licence priced at $105 “gives something back to those long-time older anglers who have been consistent buyers of fishing licences over the years,” he says.

“To qualify for one, you need to be over 65 and have held an adult Whole Season Licence for at least the last five seasons in a row.
“This is real value – and something of a reward for those anglers’ long-term support for the management and upkeep of our fisheries.”

The Local Area Licence ($99) is for those who live in a particular region, who only fish their favoured “home patch” and have no intention of fishing in other parts of the country.

“If you are say a Rotorua resident who only fishes the Rotorua lakes for example, this provides a better fit. It may be another option to consider for those on fixed incomes or tighter budget who want to save on the purchase of a Whole Season Licence or Family Licence but still remain in the game.”

However those who choose a Local Area Licence need to be fully aware that if they want to fish outside their nominated region, they will need a licence for that area as well, otherwise they will be treated as ‘fishing without a licence,’ Mr Johnson says.

“And bear in mind also that for only $25 more you could fish the whole country and enjoy the greater flexibility a whole season licence provides.”
The short and long break licences are ideal for say holidaymakers who don’t want to fish year-round, but still plan to fish reasonably hard for relatively short periods of more than a day.

The Short Break Licence at $45 is something of a bargain – in that it provides a three day licence for little more than the price of two days, he says.
It offers greater flexibility than a day licence allowing the holder to say, fish over a long holiday weekend. The extra time means that allowances can be made for bad weather or delayed travel plans, “there is still time to fit your fishing in.”

The angler must specify a defined start time which is to be stated in advance.

Mr Johnson says the Long Break Licence ($87) runs over nine days, and provides the opportunity to fish over two weekends and the week days in between.

“It provides a great choice for someone who is planning a longer holiday with plenty of angling. Again the angler must specify a defined start time.”

Mr Johnson says the new categories are only for adults because juniors between the ages of 12 and 18 are already well catered for with inexpensive whole season ($25) and day licences ($5). Children under the age of 12 are entitled to a free licence.

“We’ve dropped the price of One Day Licences in response to research which showed people felt they weren’t getting enough value for money.”
These licences costing just $20 are pitched at those who’ve never fished but want to have a go, he adds, and they’re available to both New Zealanders and overseas visitors.

Mr Johnson emphasises Family and Winter licences are still available under the same terms and conditions.
“We can assure those people who’ve always bought Family Licences ($161), which allow parents or grandparents to take several kids fishing, that they
remain unchanged and offer excellent value where a number of family members fish together.”

The four new licences will only be sold through outdoor recreation stores offering ‘agency online’, that is, those with broadband electronic licensing capability, or online through the Fish & Game website.

Mr Johnson says Fish & Game will keep canvasing views and do our best to act on people’s wishes, with a view to continuing to offer great flexibility and potential savings so that more New Zealanders can take part in a great pastime.”

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