A record 129 anglers and 31 boats took part in last week’s Four Kings Crutching/Elgin Angus Stud Four Day fishing competition, organised by the Porangahau Fishing Club.
A spokesperson said weather conditions were perfect, with the sea relatively calm for the competition, which also attracted three surfcasters and one jetski.
Over $30,000 in prizes were up for grabs, with the Top Boat, that was sponsored by Pat Portas Property Brokers ended up being a tie with Golden Mile and Omega III on 8 points each.
A boat race was initiated - with Golden Mile winning by a whisker.
The spokesperson thanked all of the sponsors, which also included Flemings Electrical, Patterson Building, Turtons, and Fogarty Spraying for making the event possible.
The Porangahau Fishing Club still has its Sportsfishing Competition running until the end of August.
Those that would like to enter can do so by emailing porangahaufishing@gmail.com.
Tararua District Councillors have voted to change the criteria around grants from the Mayoral Relief Fund.
The revised criteria will now allow individuals to claim up to $10,000, with community groups, farmers, businesses (including sole entrepreneurs), and Marae now able to apply for an increased grant of up to $30,000.
The fund, which has received over $300,000 in donations to date, was set up following last February’s Cyclone Gabrielle, which had a major impact on parts of the district.
Just over $140,000 has been distributed since the Fund was setup, leaving about $160,000.
Mayor Tracey Collis is encouraging residents still facing hardship to get applications in over the next six weeks.
She says at the end of March, the Panel will review all applications, and decisions on funding will be made at that point.
More information on the Tararua Mayoral Relief Fund is available on the Council website or from one of its offices.
A building site near Waipukurau that had a large ranch slider taken last week has been hit again by thieves.
On Monday night the site on Mangatarata Road had the front door taken.
Senior Constable Andy Walker said the door was installed in the house and was removed by the offenders.
He said CCTV footage, which is being reviewed, showed a vehicle driving in, with the offenders spending about 43 minutes on site.
Mr Walker said anyone with information can contact local Police or report it through the anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111.