A local fishing club set up and run by Kaikōura rangatahi has been helping young people learn, connect and get ahead, thanks to funding from the Foodstuffs South Island Community Trust and New World Kaikōura.
The Rod Benders fishing club was established earlier this year with the help of the Foodstuffs South Island Community Trust, New World Kaikōura owner operators James and Kym Bishop, and Mark Paterson, facilitator at Te Hā o Mātauranga.
At the end of last year, James Bishop endorsed a grant application from Te Hā o Mātauranga to the Foodstuffs South Island Community Trust, which secured NZD 3,620 of funding for the club to purchase equipment to help improve the health and wellbeing of local rangatahi and build connections and self-confidence.
“We want to give back to the community in a meaningful way, so supporting the club's start-up was a no-brainer and a good opportunity to give back and create a positive impact for young people in town,” said Bishop.
Led by Club President Keepa Timms, Rod Benders is already proving a popular pastime for its members aged between 11 and 18. Before becoming the club’s president, Keepa was enrolled at Te Hā o Mātauranga as an alternative education student.
Keepa and his classmates were taught the skills to find employment and connected to the outdoor extra-curricular activities that resonated with them most.
“It was an awesome feeling, being able to use a new skill and provide a few meals for my whānau,” said Keepa.
“I’ve also learned a whole bunch of other things I never would’ve expected to, like all the different ways we can look after our marine environment so we leave it in a better place.”
The club meets every fortnight at the local community hall, where members are empowered to learn about the activities.
The positive impact of the support from Foodstuffs South Island Community Trust, New World Kaikōura, and the wider community is already being felt.
The club has also received gear support from various local businesses and providers in the community, including Te Hā o Mātauranga, ITM, and Okuma Fishing.
As a small town heavily reliant on tourism, particularly over the busy summer, young people often see Kaikōura as a place with little to do.
