We're in the Taupo area, staying at Rich and Sandy's Windsor Lodge in Waitahanui, near the mouth of the Waitahanui River which is the site of Lake Taupo's famous picket fence (see the pic!). We have yet to fish, but Rich and Sandy have been helping us make contacts with key Department of Conservation staff (DOC manages the Taupo District's fisheries - all others in NZ are managed by Regional Fish and Game NZ Councils - more on this below), a local guide, and anglers.
Zane Grey probably first described New Zealand as an "Angler's Paradise," at least in print, and this is certainly true of the entire country with it's popular bluewater, near-shore, and freshwater fisheries. Because most anglers aren't as wealthy and energetic as Grey and now often focus on a particular type of fishing, Dave would revise his title to "Anglers' Paradise." All of the fisheries are different than when he visited - recent gossip and writings indicate that the offshore bluewater fishery for marlin and other large marine gamefish has deteriorated, that the trout in Lake Taupo are smaller and less plentiful than they once were, etc., etc. There are numerous reasons for these turns of events, no doubt, but NZ still is Anglers' Paradise!
Lake Taupo is one of New Zealand's most important draws for domestic and international anglers. It is being managed for wild fish (all salmonids in NZ are introduced species), and a quality fishery. The assumption on the part of DOC is that the health of the fishery is a reflection of the overall health of the Taupo Basin - the assumption that underlies the research Dave is conducting. And what a piscatorial landscape this area displays! The signage for each community along Highway 1 along the east side of the lake features fish (see the pic for Turangi), as do many of the businesses (also an angling theme - especially in Turangi). There is the National Trout Centre just south of Turangi on the Tongariro River (when we tried to visit on Friday 3/11/11 the Centre was celebrating the opening of an expanded aquarium with many local dignitaries and benefactors attending) which has an important historic and current educational mission to educate Kiwis and visitors alike about the importance of clean water and healthy aquatic ecosystems. See the pic above of the boys sampling the fish at the Centre's trout pond!
Lastly, more about the DOC, the Regional Fish and Game NZ Councils, and fisheries management. Both the DOC and the Regional F&G NZ Councils (as well as the National F&G NZ Council) are funded entirely by license fees. In the case of the Regional F&G NZ Councils, twelve councillors are elected by license holders who have ticked the appropriate box on their license forms when these are purchased. They must specify a particular region that they wish to be able to serve as a part of the electorate, but they may fish anywhere in NZ (freshwaters only, outside of the Taupo Basin - marine fishing does not require a license!) with their F&G NZ license. The Regional F&G NZ Councils then appoint from amongst their ranks one representative who will serve at the National Council level. Additionally, councils at both levels are served by professional staffs (with heavier science emphasis at the regional level and heavier policy emphasis at the national level). Thus, Fish & Game NZ is essentially a self-financed democratic institution.
Well, it's time to leave the virtual world in favor of the real one, with real fish in it, so Cheers to all of you again. We plan on fishing the Waitahunai and at the picket fence yet - will have a big fish story for you later we hope.
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