Recreational Fishing Nets Big Gains for Region - Hydro Canal Fishery Contributes $13.6 Million to Mackenzie Basin Economy

New research shows that recreational freshwater fishing contributes millions of dollars to the Mackenzie Basin and that local businesses and communities land the gains. Central South Island Fish & Game Council (CSIFGC) today released the results of a groundbreaking economic impact assessment conducted in partnership with the University of Otago and Meridian Energy. 

Urban BBQ Festival | Hastings

BBQ lovers are in for more meaty goodness in November when the Urban BBQ Festival returns to Tomoana Showgrounds, Hastings. Once again the Demo Stage hosts a full afternoon of demonstrations that will take your pitmaster skills to the next level. Butterfly a leg of lamb, serve some smokey cocktails and cheese, master ribs and brisket, and get that crackling crispy on a homemade porchetta.

Ready, steady, fish! Freshwater season licenses now on sale

Fishing licences are on sale today as anticipation builds for the upcoming season. “Spring is on its way, and today marks a key date in the diary for keen anglers,” said Fish & Game New Zealand chief executive Corina Jordan. “With the season starting on October 1, it’s a good idea for anglers to get in early and grab their licence so they can focus on sorting their gear and planning trips with friends.

Spawning monitoring – measuring to manage 

Fish & Game staff throughout the country are busy conducting spawning surveys for trout and salmon to ensure there are sustainable fisheries for the future and to check up on stream and river health. Fish & Game New Zealand chief executive Corina Jordan said there were a range of ways to monitor spawning, from using fish traps to walking up a stream and counting. 

Featured Artist - Kimbra Taylor

Kimbra has a Diploma in Visual Communications from the Wellington School of Design and a teacher's certificate.

“I worked in an advertising agency as an illustrator and visualiser, The Evening Post as an illustrator and then became a freelance illustrator. I worked with Thomas Nelson publishing firm and illustrated many children's books. One of the paintings from a book I illustrated was given to the author for her birthday. I felt very honoured and delighted to be able to share this with her as a gift.” Kimbra shares

Featured Artist - Jane Comben of Pogo Design

“When I moved to NZ, I ended up in Wellington. There was much less packaging work so I moved into print design and branding, and the more government-focused work of the Wellington market. 

After working in agencies, I created Pogo Design when my son was school-age. I wanted the flexibility to manage school holidays etc. I often tell people my biggest work success to date is walking my son through the gate of the local school.” – Jane

Game bird hunters and anglers encouraged to enrol ahead of Fish & Game elections

Licensed anglers and game-bird hunters are being urged to enrol so they can vote in the upcoming Fish & Game elections. 

New Zealand’s 12 regional Fish & Game Councils are elected by licence holders every three years and voting in the 2024 election opens on 19 September. 

Licence holders must register to be on the electoral roll to be eligible to vote in their region.

A Matariki Gift from Artist Helen Casey

With Matariki upon us and School Holidays just around the corner we hope to create a tradition with some of New Zealand’s finest Artists that helps make this time memorable for Whanau across Aotearoa / New Zealand.

Down the Magic Morepork is a colouring in project for Matariki.

Westfield destinations celebrate Matariki with community events and experiences for the whole family

The activity is part of wider celebrations taking place in every Westfield destination across Aotearoa and, for the second year in a row, at Westfield Coomera in Queensland, Australia. To give families more time to come together, Westfield destinations across the country will be trading from 9am until 9pm on Matariki. Activities and experiences throughout the week are listed below.

Rotorua tourism shines bright with Four Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards

Rotorua is bursting with pride as three of its premier tourism attractions have been honoured with four prestigious Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards, highlighting the city's unparalleled experiences and natural beauty. 

Rotorua Canopy Tours’ Original Tour has set an exceptional standard, earning two coveted Best of the Best Things to Do awards. It clinched the number one spot in the Top Experiences New Zealand category and achieved an impressive 10th place in the Nature & Outdoors – World category. This recognition underscores Rotorua Canopy Tours’ commitment to providing unforgettable adventures while showcasing the region's stunning environment.

Rita Angus exhibition opens at MTG Hawke’s Bay Tai Ahuriri on Friday 28 June 2024

Te Papa touring exhibition Rita Angus: New Zealand Modernist | He Ringatoi Hou o Aotearoa will be on display at MTG Hawke’s Bay and opens on Friday 28 June. It brings together 20 works by one of New Zealand’s most iconic 20th-century artists, Rita Angus (1908–1970). 

The exhibition runs until Sunday 25 August 2024 and entry is free. The works on display span Angus’ life and career as an artist, drawing out the themes of pacifism, feminism, and nature, which shaped much of her work. 

The exhibition includes many of Angus’ most important works, including Rutu, 1951, Cleopatra, 1938, and Central Otago, 1953 56/1969.

Unveiling the Mystical Trend: The Surging Popularity of Tarot in Modern Times

Imagine a deck of cards, each one rich with symbolism and mystery, offering a glimpse into the past, present, and future. This is the essence of Tarot, a practice that dates back centuries and has been a source of insight and guidance for many. Although often misunderstood, Tarot has survived the test of time and is experiencing a renaissance in modern culture. This article will explore the roots of Tarot, its evolution, and why it fascinates and aids people today.