"We'd also like you to know that we've been around since 1938.
"Our commitment to the Far North community has spanned 83 years, and we trust that the same level of commitment will make this year's competition an enjoyable and successful few days for everyone concerned. We welcome both new entrants and those who have supported this competition in the past. Wherever you've travelled from, be it here or south of the Mangamukas, your support is appreciated."
He also asked contestants to be very tidy fishers, not only by leaving nothing behind them when they left the beach but picking up any other rubbish they see and returning it to the weigh-in for disposal or recycling.
And he urged those who indulge in the "essential fluid replacement programme" at the weigh-in not to drink and drive.
"We don't want to have to come and deal with the consequences of that - it's not an enjoyable part of being a member of the emergency services," he added.
The organisers are providing a courtesy van throughout the competition.
Meanwhile the rules are few, although anyone who cheats, including by using more than the maximum 12 hooks permitted, will be disqualified on the spot and will not be welcome back at future tournaments.
Teams may fish from any beach they choose, the only restriction being that it is close enough to Waipapakauri to enable them to make the weigh-in before it closes (at 5pm today and tomorrow, 4pm on Saturday).
Three prizes will be won every day for the heaviest snapper, kahawai, gurnard and other species (not including kingfish, stingrays or sharks), with cash prizes for the heaviest of each species over the three days, for the three teams with the greatest weight of fish overall, and $1000 for closest to the average weight.
A maximum of three fish of each species will be accepted from each team for weighing each day.
Spot prizes, including three torpedoes, will also be won, and hot food will be available at the weigh-in each afternoon from a food cart and the Waipapakauri Hotel kitchen.
