Pride of NZ: Family money spinner a real catch

The committee of the Leigh Family Fishing Contest (from left): Linwood Viliua, Keith Brush, Lynn Brush, Mark Aitken and Jackie Woollerton.

Annual fishing contest nets thousands for small town community and a good time for participants of all ages.

Leigh Family Fishing Contest committee - Fundraiser of the Year

Once a year, during the summer, the small fishing town of Leigh north of Auckland has some big fish to fry.

About 500 people descend on the rural town to take part in a fishing contest that not only has great prizes for participants, but also raises funds for a range of organisations.

The Leigh Family Fishing Contest has been going for 13 years and has gained a lot of traction recently - generating more than $200,000 in just six years.

All the funds are donated to Westpac Rescue Helicopter, St John, the Leigh Fire Brigade and local schools.

Contest committee spokeswoman Lynn Brush has been involved since 2009.

The involvement of participants, the community and sponsors was invaluable, she said.

"If it wasn't for the people participating on the day, if it weren't for them buying tickets, it wouldn't be a success," she said. "It's a good bunch, the ones who turn up for the meetings and turn up on the day."

The contest committee has been nominated for a Pride of New Zealand award for their financial support of the community.

"This [competition] does wonders for the township, bringing individuals and families together," said the nominator. "It also exposes people from outside Leigh to this beautiful part of New Zealand."

The contest draws punters from as far as Whangarei and Te Kuiti and gives Leigh's local businesses an economic boost.

"There's something in it for everybody," Mrs Brush said.

The hardest task was asking for contributions. But locals and businesses were always willing to help because of the cause, she said.

The Pride of New Zealand Awards are proudly brought to you by The New Zealand Herald, The Hits and TSB Bank.
Nominations for the 2015 awards have now closed.
To see more stories of our wonderful nominees click here.
For more information on the awards go to the official website.