Far North fishing event faces liquidation

Far North residents fear for the future of a multimillion-dollar visitor attraction after legal action started last week to put the event organisers' company into liquidation.

Ninety Mile Beach Snapper Classic Ltd faces a liquidation bid in the High Court at Auckland on December 15. The application was made by Yetimo Marketing (NZ) Ltd, of Auckland.

Yetimo general manager Troy Little said the application followed demands to be paid for merchandise products supplied for the event which is centred around Kaitaia.

He would not comment further, saying the matter was before the court and the company was being given the opportunity to pay the bill.

Company directors Yvette and Srecko Urlich did not return the Herald's calls.

The event has grown into the country's largest surfcasting event, selling 1000 tickets to anglers from as far as Britain and the United States for the five-day event.

Part of the attraction was a prize pool which grew from $15,000 in 1982 to more than $250,000.

"It's disappointing because it means a lot to the district," said Steve Maisey, president of the 90 Mile Beach Surfcasting Club.