Having sold property in the Northland area since 2000, Dianne and Richard Quinn and their agents at the Ray White branches of Paihia, Kaikohe and Kawakawa know the districts inside out. Found in the northern most province of the north island, the Bay of Islands, an expanse of water with several long inlets and over 150 islands south of Whangaroa Harbour, is one of New Zealand’s most popular holiday destinations and offers a unique, relaxing lifestyle for those choosing to live there. The region is known for its stunning beauty and has a reputation as a world class fishing spot.
Dianne Quinn first became involved in organising the famous Blue Heelers Fishing Tournament 7 years ago. The tournament which raises funds for different charities each year started off 16 years ago as a police fishing tournament. As time went by it was decided that it should be opened up to the public.
Dianne describes the competition, which is now open to anyone, as having a “huge and wonderful following.” Every year between 160 and 180 people enter, making it the biggest tournament in the Bay for the year
Targeting snapper, kingfish, kahawai and crayfish, the contest provides an opportunity for all to produce a winner. Held over three days, the daily prizes alone are worth the effort. Timed for the second week of November, it coincides with big offshore snapper schooling in the Bay. Mega reds are inevitably landed in this contest, with an average snapper weight around 3.5kg!
Each year, through votes taken from registered competitors a different charity is chosen to benefit from the tournament. Funds are then raised for the selected charity through a number of avenues. There is a $65 per person entry fee with donated prizes. A Crayfish license is auctioned and all crayfish caught during the competition is kept, cooked and auctioned off that night. This year the tournament raised $5,000 for Northland Hospice.
A few years ago it was decided that excess fish could be filleted and donated to the families at Ronald McDonald House in Auckland. Now all snapper is kept for this purpose and this year approximately 60 kgs were donated as well as a delicious lot of smoked kingi.
Richard Quinn, an incredibly enthusiastic fisherman commented “Dianne and I have now been supporting Ronald McDonald House for many years, filleting, skinning and boning out fresh snapper for all the families to feast on. This year was as good as last year and we look forward to donating more fish through the Blue Heelers tournament here in Paihia next year!”
This year MasterChef finalist Vanessa Baxter transformed the fillets into hearty fish pies, fish cakes and wonderful steamed fish with Asian spices.
Wayne Howett, Chief Executive Officer, Ronald McDonald House Auckland appreciated the support from Ray White Paihia. “After a long day on the hospital ward it brings great comfort to our families who arrive back at our House and are greeted by the smell of home-cooked food. Fresh New Zealand snapper is such a delight for our families as it is not something we have on our dinner menu very often. As you can imagine this wonderful gift courtesy of Ray White Paihia went down a treat with families going back for seconds and even thirds!
Staff and families were also pleased to be joined by Blue Heeler, Max Smith who has been on board with the fishing since its inception – not only was it great for him to see how much the families appreciate the his efforts, but he was also a great pot washer!
 |
 |