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Five on the Fly - Twyla

Sun, 22 Feb 2026 22:09:16 GMT

Five on the Fly — where business meets community

Kia ora and welcome to Five on the Fly, where we sit down with local business people to hear their stories, challenges and hopes for Te Hiku.

In five quick questions, we get to know the person behind the business, what drives them and what they hope for the future of our region.

Interviewee - Twyla from Backroad Baker NZ

1. Tell us about yourself
Kia ora, I’m Twyla, the baker, decorator and face behind Backroad Baker NZ. When I’m not in the kitchen covered in flour and buttercream, I’m usually out enjoying our beautiful whenua – you’ll usually find us in or near the moana. My favourite ice-cream flavour is usually hokey pokey — classic, simple and always a treat. But I actually really like the Maple one at Cable Bay too.

2. Tell us about your business

Backroad Baker NZ is my small hobby cake business based here in the Far North. I create custom cakes, cupcakes and sweet treats for birthdays, whānau celebrations, and community events. I love working with people to bring their ideas to life and adding a bit of sweetness to special moments across Te Hiku.

3. What’s been your biggest challenge in business so far?

One of my biggest challenges has been balancing a busy home life with the time and energy that creative baking requires. Juggling orders around my two young kids – usually by doing late-night baking sessions has definitely tested my resilience, but it’s taught me to be more organised, set boundaries, and trust my own pace as a hobby baker.

4. What’s been a highlight or proudest moment?
Every time someone trusts me with their special occasion, or I see a child light up at their birthday cake, it reminds me why I started. Those moments make all the hard mahi worth it. It’s always a highlight when customers come back too.

5. What are your hopes for Te Hiku as a region?

I’d love to see Te Hiku continue to grow in ways that support local creativity, small business owners, and whānau. There’s so much talent and potential here. I hope to see more opportunities for entrepreneurs, more collaboration between local businesses, and a thriving, resilient community where we lift each other up and keep our local economy strong.

That’s it for this edition of Five on the Fly . A big thank you to Twyla of Backroad Baker NZ for sharing her journey with us, and to you for reading.

Every business story adds to the strength and resilience of Te Hiku. If you’d like to hear more, keep an eye out for our next Five on the Fly conversation.

Five on the Fly - Josh Tatu

Sun, 16 Nov 2025 04:40:30 GMT

Five on the Fly — where business meets community

Kia ora and welcome to Five on the Fly, where we sit down with local business people to hear their stories, challenges and hopes for Te Hiku.

In five quick questions, we get to know the person behind the business, what drives them and what they hope for the future of our region.

Interviewee - Josh Tatu

1. Tell us about yourself
Kia ora. My name is Joshua Tatu and I’m of Niuean and Māori descent. Well, that and a few other wild mixes. I’m originally from Mangere down in Tamaki.

My iwi are Ngāti Tamaterā and Ngāti Maniapoto. I am the Kaitāia Pirates U9’s rugby coach and also, the Pirates’ rugby delegate #upthepriates. I’ve been living in the Far Far North for about five years now and honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way. I also have a slight addiction to peanut slabs.

2. Tell us about your business

Well, I own and proudly operate the Legit Burger Company food trailer here in the Far North. I sell a range of burgers with low-carb options, also salads and desserts—all of which I prep at the beginning of each day before service.

I also operate on a 100% sourced locally vibe as I believe in freshness in the kai that I serve. It’s also to keep travel time on the produce and products right down, which is one of the main reasons why I do it.

The second main reason is that I’d much rather put my money back into our local economy/community whenever I can. I make everything from scratch from the prime beef patties and Aiolis to the selection of cheesecakes. The only thing I don’t make are the buns as I just… well, buns are hōhā to make. I also believe I have a bad habit of cooking what I like to eat, but it seems to be working.

3. What’s been your biggest challenge in business so far?

My biggest challenge so far with my business is learning how to take time for myself. Being a sole operator, a lot of my time is caught up in my business, even on my off days. I also own a small boutique catering company, which normally fills in the remaining days of the week. Besides the work-life and life balance, one of the hurdles in owning a small business in the Far North is that there are a lot of “different wakas”, which, at times, are all rowing in different directions or against each other. We all could be in the same “waka” to bring together more community-driven/run events.

Another thing I’ve also found troublesome is the rising diesel price, which has started to annoy me. ��

4. What’s been a highlight or proudest moment?
A big highlight recently for me would be watching the Kaitāia Night Markets take shape, which I started at the beginning of October 2025 with the help from Kallen at Bridgestone Tyre Service.

It’s a big thing for me to see people out enjoying their time and also, their kai—even if it isn’t mine! Just knowing that people are coming out to support other small businesses or helping other fledgling hospo businesses to thrive. I also receive messages from customers letting me know how much they enjoyed their food. It’s a really proud moment for me reading those messages as it continues as it continues to let me know that what I’m selling is good and it’s a good fuel for the tank.

5. What are your hopes for Te Hiku as a region?
My hopes for Te Hiku as a region is that there are more community driven events not just to do with food or myself, but more for our Tamariki. There needs to be things to keep them occupied either in sports, like holding regular tournaments, or fun days out, not only in our peak seasons where we have plenty, but also on our off seasons to maintain the community vibes. I’m a firm believer that being engaged in positive community activities not only lifts the mana of our town, but also brings our people together.

That’s it for this edition of Five on the Fly . A big thank you to Josh Tatu of Legit Burger Company for sharing his journey with us, and to you for reading.

Every business story adds to the strength and resilience of Te Hiku. If you’d like to hear more, keep an eye out for our next Five on the Fly conversation.

Five on the Fly - Ashleigh Manukau-McEwan

Fri, 03 Oct 2025 05:05:50 GMT

Five on the Fly — where business meets community

Kia ora and welcome to Five on the Fly, where we sit down with local business people to hear their stories, challenges and hopes for Te Hiku.

In five quick questions, we get to know the person behind the business, what drives them and what they hope for the future of our region.

Interviewee - Ashleigh Manukau-McEwan

1. Tell us about yourself
Hey, my name is Ashleigh Manukau-McEwan and I am spoilt in my life. I have my dogs, who are like my best friends. I have a great soon-to-be husband, who is just as spontaneous as I am and I love travelling. My career in broadcasting has taken me all over the world, but nothing quite beats the paradise of living in the Far North. I am more landlocked nowadays with gardens, chickens and dogs and in my spare time I really enjoy making websites for other small businesses. That, and hanging out with my family. Although I grew up in Mangonui, I’ve lived away from home for the last 15 years, so it’s incredible to be able to drive up the road to make a sandwich using my parents $15 spreadable butter.

2. Tell us about your business

Two Hands—Local Produce was born when I got a dog (the best dog ever) and decided I wanted to stay at home more. So, I thought I’d get a job. It was around December that I started a full-time job, and I read on Facebook that the corn was being sold on the side of the road.

OHHHH YEAHHHH, I thought, we all know how good that fresh corn is. I was all excited until I realised I drove past Awanui at 7.30 in the morning and well after 5.30 in the afternoon.

This happened for a solid 4 weeks before I said, out loud, in the car: “I cannot be the only one missing out”.

And I wasn’t. So, the next week, I called the corn guys—Masters Produce, I called Reeds farm, I posted on Grow Kaitaia and said: “Look, I’m going to deliver your produce to customers all over the place. If they can’t get to us, we will get to them”.

And thankfully, they all said: “Nothing to lose, so I’ll supply you and let’s give it a go”.

That’s how Two Hands–Local Produce started. We started to sell family-sized boxes and smaller-sized boxes with seasonal, locally grown fruit and veges straight from the garden to your doorstep.

Then my Nana said,” Eh, I can’t support you buying a box because it’s too much kai and I ain’t letting good food be wasted on me”.

So, we introduced a third box—the Goldie box. Not because I wanted Nan’s money, but because she deserves good food. We all deserve good quality food, and just because we work full-time, we can only eat half a broccoli, or because we live out in the wops, doesn’t mean we should be forced to miss out on what our local growers (who have enough mahi growing kai let alone attending 100 markets or minding a shop) have to offer us.

Now, we deliver local produce from Hihi to Taipa, Karikari Peninsula to Awanui, Pukenui to Kaitata, Ahipara to Herekino and Every. Single. Home. in between.

The potholes down your road couldn’t stop me if they tried!

3. What’s been your biggest challenge in business so far?

The biggest challenge by far was learning how to actually run a business. We weren’t charging for delivery because the profits were paying for the petrol, so all good.

We were using our own personal, already bought cars, so it wasn’t a cost to buy a vehicle, so all good. Until the car broke down…not all good.

Suddenly, the business couldn’t go on until we fixed the car, but the business didn’t allocate any money for car repairs.

So, that was a lesson in finance…. Fast.

4. What’s been a highlight or proudest moment?
Biggest moment so far is that we finally, FINALLY launched a website where people were not limited to what our budget could fit in the boxes. Customers can now buy any produce they would like, adding in the options like free range eggs, fresh bread, and we added a space for locally made products. We were already driving the distance, so why not drop off other locally made products while we are at it? We currently have seven businesses offering their products online from cupcakes, to flowers, to balms and even locally grown and pressed olive oil.

We are pretty stoked about that.

5. What are your hopes for Te Hiku as a region?
I reckon the best thing for Te Hiku region would be to show our people, our community, that even if your business is a car boot sale business, that the sky is your limit. Start the side of the road hustles, start building your business from nothing, with nothing until you’re getting the ol ‘sup’ nod in Pak n Save from customers, ‘til you get tagged in Facebook posts that are looking for recommendations. Then grow again, start advertising outside of the region, sending your products all over the motu. Or, having a service so well done that you start teaching another person in a nearby region how to do the job, so you can expand with clients. Franchise, bulk manufacture, and become a millionaire.

And stay in the Far North and spend all your putea here….. on local businesses selling products from the boot of their car.

That’s it for this edition of Five on the Fly . A big thank you to Ashleigh Manukau-McEwan of Two Hands—Local Produce for sharing their journey with us, and to you for reading.

Every business story adds to the strength and resilience of Te Hiku. If you’d like to hear more, keep an eye out for our next Five on the Fly conversation.

Threads of the Yard

Thu, 18 Sep 2025 07:07:54 GMT

This story comes from guest writer Tyrone Biddle of P&P Flooring Ltd.

We are P&P Flooring . Our business is whānau owned, female led, and based in the Norti Norta, Te Hiku o te Ika, the Far Far North of Aotearoa. With decades of experience carried across generations, flooring for us is more than a trade. It is our legacy: we honour those who came before us while laying foundations for those who will follow.

Earlier this year, I shared a blog called Turning a Page. It told the story of leaving behind the corporate world and stepping into something closer to home, our business, our whānau, and The Yard. The Yard is where we work, create, and connect. It holds not just our mahi but the stories of other businesses alongside us.

Part of our why has always been about stories. Stories of people, stories of home, stories of land, stories of sea. From the tail of the fish to the tip, we are all threads weaving our way through time. Together, those threads form a beautiful whāriki of life. And there are moments in time when those threads meet. In those moments, you find the comfort of community, something that can feel distant if you are not part of it. But here in The Yard, that community lives in every business, each with its own why.

Take Drop In , for example, a family owned surf and coffee shop in the Far North. The lives of Adam, Kelly, Lennox, and Juno are led by the tides. Born from Kelly’s deep relationship with the ocean and the surf industry, and Adam’s love of surf, coffee, and people, Drop In came into being surrounded by the many loving hands of the community.

For Drop In, water is the biggest stakeholder. Every decision begins with a question: How does this impact the health and wellbeing of the water? Could we do it better? That is why their products fall into two streams: 100 percent natural fibres that are compostable, or 100 percent synthetic that is recyclable. Their coffee loop is just as intentional: organic beans, local milk in glass bottles, and no single use cups.

But Drop In is more than its products. It is a place for slowing down. For pausing. You might run your hand over the lines of an Aotearoa shaped board, discover beautifully made wares, ride the half pipe, or simply take a few breaths of fresh air in the sun. It is a space where locals and travellers alike can connect.

Their investment in the future of surfing is equally intentional. They run small wāhine surf trips, a monthly wāhine surf group, and contribute their time to Ahipara Boardriders and their initiatives. Drop In is a thread in our community whāriki, woven with purpose, care, and aroha for both people and the moana .

Another thread in The Yard belongs to Steve from Northstitch Upholstery . Steve moved to Kaitāia in 2011 with his wife and six children, bringing with him 15 years of upholstery experience. Not long after, he opened Northstitch on Empire Street. Two years later, he shifted to his current workshop at 153 Pukepoto Road, where his mahi keeps growing.

Steve’s work covers nearly everything upholstery related: automotive repairs, veranda curtains, tarpaulins, furniture, marine jobs, and one of a kind custom pieces. From tool belts for bush gangs and orchard workers to restoring the well loved and tailoring the unique, his hands breathe life into both need and idea.

His story, like ours, is one of resilience and creativity. Piece by piece, project by project, Steve has built a business that shows up for the community with heart, with craft, and with purpose.

And that is just a glimpse of The Yard. Each business here has its own journey: the hard weeks, the breakthroughs, the waves of success, the moments of doubt. But together, we have built a community that supports one another. We confide in each other, we are vulnerable with each other, and we help each other.

Because at the end of the day:

Nāku te rourou, nāu te rourou, ka ora ai te iwi

(With your basket and my basket, the people will thrive.)

Flooring might be our mahi, but people are our heart. Drop in anytime for a kōrero, a coffee, or a new cover for your boat and share your story with us. Nau mai haere mai! 153 Pukepoto Road, Kaitāia.

Ngā mihi nui to guest writer Tyrone Biddle of P&P Flooring, and to Drop In and Northstitch Upholstery for sharing their stories of The Yard.

Do you have a local story to share?

Whether you're a blogger, photographer, writer, or vlogger, we’d love to hear from you!

Share your unique perspective and help showcase the heart of our Te Hiku community.

Locals Supporting Locals

Wed, 28 May 2025 08:53:45 GMT

A new series celebrating the people, organisations and businesses who support our locals.

In Te Hiku, support doesn’t always come with a big announcement or a media release. It is given unconditionally. Often, it looks like a box of sausages for a fundraiser, donated goods for a school event, time volunteered at a local kura, or a quiet donation to help a sports team buy new jerseys. It’s practical, thoughtful, and deeply local.

As the cost of living rises and pressure builds on small businesses and whānau, the power of community has never been more important. This series, Locals Supporting Locals, shines a light on some of the people, organizations and businesses who continue to show up for Te Hiku. They don’t do it for recognition, and it’s not because they have plenty to spare. They do it because in Te Hiku, community matters. Helping each other is just part of who we are.

People say it takes a village to raise a child. Around here, it takes a whole community to help each other move forward. To achieve goals. To create opportunities. To live well at every stage of life, from our young to old.

Kinetic Electrical: In it for the right reasons

Fish Jones from Kinetic Electrical is quick to play things down, but the way his business continues to support local kaupapa speaks volumes.

Over the past year, Kinetic Electrical has backed the Far North Rodeo Association, Paparore School Gala, Awanui Rugby Club, and the newly launched Kaitāia College Sports Performance Academy.

Even in a tough economic climate, Fish sees community support as part of the bigger picture.

"Our kids go to these schools. Our friends coach the teams. Our whānau are involved in these groups. Just because times are tight doesn’t mean you stop helping out."

For Fish, support doesn’t have to be big or flashy. It’s the small, everyday contributions that keep things going.

"Just back your people. It doesn’t have to be much, maybe a box of sausages for a school fundraiser, volunteering your time or skills, or helping a team with some gear. People notice when you show up. It’s about doing your bit."

That kind of support builds more than goodwill. It strengthens relationships and creates a deeper sense of connection across the community. For Fish, it’s about whanaungatanga. When people see you showing up, they remember.

"People know who we are and what we’re about. It’s not just the name on the van. They know we back their kids, their clubs, and their events. That kind of support sticks in people’s minds."

One moment that really brought this home for Fish was receiving a handwritten letter from a student after the 2025 Paparore School Gala.

"I reckon that’s one of the best things we’ve ever received since we started sponsoring anything up here. It reminded us why we do it. It’s not about getting attention. It’s about supporting the community. Something as simple as that lette r made it all worth it."

Kaitāia College Sports Performance Academy: Fuelled by belief and community

That same sense of connection and backing is exactly what’s helping drive the success of the Kaitāia College Sports Performance Academy.

From the beginning, the focus has been broader than athletic development. The aim is to provide students with well-rounded opportunities that support leadership, wellbeing, and long-term growth. Deputy Principal Lydia Kerr says local business support has played a major role in bringing that vision to life.

“The backing from our local community and businesses such as Kinetic Electrical has been instrumental in turning that vision into a reality.”

The support has had both practical and personal impacts. Lydia says it has enabled the Academy to provide quality gear, bring in guest speakers and industry professionals, and give students access to training opportunities that wouldn’t otherwise be possible. But beyond the resources, it’s shifted how students see themselves.

“They feel valued, seen, and backed by their wider community. That sense of belief fuels motivation and builds pride not just in their individual performance, but in representing their school and hometown, which we believe is incredibly important.”

Lydia believes the ripple effect of that support will carry far into the future.

“These students are the future of the Far North. Our future workers, leaders, and community contributors. When a business backs local youth, it’s more than just sponsorship. It’s a partnership in building a stronger, more connected community. ”

She says the support in their first year has been overwhelming, and they’re incredibly grateful to all the sponsors who stepped forward.

“Alongside Kinetic Electrical, we’d also like to acknowledge Northland Waste, Far North Roading (FNR), 9Tee Mile, North Contracting Ltd, and Adidas NZ. Their support has helped get the Academy off the ground and into action.”

If you’re a business, organisation, or individual who feels they can add value and are passionate about supporting youth development in the Far North, the Kaitāia College Sports Performance Academy would love to hear from you. Whether it's sharing skills, volunteering your time, sponsoring equipment, or offering mentorship, every contribution helps create more opportunities for our rangatahi to thrive.

In return, the ability for local businesses to give often depends on the support they receive from the people of Te Hiku, the wider community of the Far Far North. When locals choose to buy local, recommend local services, and actively promote the work of our businesses and organisations within their whānau and networks, they help create the conditions that allow these groups to continue showing up for our schools, sports clubs, and community events.

Reciprocity and mutual support are what will keep Te Hiku strong through the challenges ahead. We all play a role in making sure this place we call home continues to survive, grow, and thrive.

Ngā mihi to Lydia Kerr, Deputy Principal at Kaitāia College, and Fish Jones from Kinetic Electrical for their contributions to this article, and to the Kaitāia College Sports Academy for providing some of the photos featured in this story.

Stay tuned for the next story in this series celebrating the people, organisations and businesses who support our locals.

The 2025 F U Chilli Eating Competition Heats Up Waipapakauri

Fri, 11 Apr 2025 00:26:34 GMT

No Mercy, Just Heat

There’s something about watching grown adults cry into baby wipes that really brings a community together.

I arrived just after 5pm at the Waipapakauri Hotel garden bar, and the place was buzzing. The sun was out, the energy was high, and the kids' sour lolly competition was already underway. Dozens of tamariki, faces set with determination, hands planted firmly on the table, powering through round after round of lip-puckering lollies.

It felt like watching a mini army of sugar warriors. I swear, some of these kids had trained for this moment. As I stood there, surrounded by whānau cheering and laughing, I had a feeling: we were witnessing the next generation of chilli comp legends in the making.

The Heat Begins

After the kids’ face-off wrapped up, the garden bar transformed.

The F U Chilli Eating Competition was about to begin.

Tables were cleared. Tissues, baby wipes, and bottles of milk were placed like sacred offerings. Ten contestants took their seats, including last year’s winner, Laurie, back to defend his crown after conquering the Peach Bhut Jolokia in 2024. But this year… things were going to get hotter. Much hotter.

From the humble jalapeño, sitting at around 3,000 Scoville units, to the fearsome Carolina Reaper blasting in at 2 million, this wasn’t just a competition, it was a full-blown trial by fire. This was a test of endurance, of willpower, of pure grit.

For those of us not fluent in the language of chillies, the Scoville scale measures just how hot a pepper is. It’s all about capsaicin, the chemical compound responsible for that fiery burn. The higher the Scoville number, the more your taste buds are in for a serious ride.

And as the crowd gathered, one figure moved calmly through the chaos: Chris from Awanui Tyres—organiser, sponsor, and chilli hander-outer.

How It All Started – Chris’s Story

Chris laughs when asked how this fiery event came to be, now running into its third year.

"I never even liked chillies, to be honest," he says. "But my cousin Karl bought this ridiculously hot sauce off the internet, and suddenly it became a game, how hot could we go?"

That game turned into research, then fascination. But it wasn’t just about the burn.

"I’m at the age where I have zero interest in going out to massive, long events, and family time is my priority."

Chris wanted something family-friendly, short, and fun. A way to get people together, have a laugh, and support each other.

"Someone had to make it happen—so I did."

The real turning point came when a man named Pete, now known as Pyro Pete—walked into Chris’s tyre shop in Awanui.

" He mentioned he grew chillies. I told him I had this idea. He said, ‘I’ll grow them.’ The rest is history."

Every single chilli in the comp is grown by Pyro Pete’s Peria Peppers.

"Yeah, he grows every single one! Without him, the comp wouldn’t happen."

Chris admits he’s more passionate about the community and the competition than chillies themselves.

"I enjoy the challenge, working with people, the logistics, all of it really. But mostly, I love that proud feeling I get at the end when everyone’s so invested and all you can see is good times in the crowd. The world needs more positivity, so any little bit I can inject into it—I’m more than happy to put the work in."

The Brave Challenger – Kura’s Story

Among the ten contestants this year was Kura Rose, stepping up for her very first chilli-eating competition.

"I’ve watched for a few years now," she said. "And I kept thinking—could I do it? Nah. Maybe? So this year, I decided to challenge myself. And yeah… the fuel vouchers were definitely a motivator!"

Kura had never eaten a chilli in her life.

"I prepped by lining my stomach with yoghurt and creamed rice, someone told me that would help. And that part worked.

But what I didn’t prepare was my mouth, it felt like someone lit a lighter on my lips!"

Despite the heat, she did her best to stay laser-focused.

"I don’t even remember the crowd," she said. "I was trying to stay in the zone with a mind-over-matter thing. But then the MC kept saying, ‘It’s only gonna get hotter!’ That totally threw me off. I was telling myself, ‘There is no pain,’ but he was out there saying the opposite!"

Two of her girlfriends joined her in the comp, they were in it for the challenge and the fuel vouchers too.

But for Kura, it was being part of the audience afterward that stuck with her the most.
"Watching others compete, seeing everyone push themselves, the reactions, the atmosphere. It was so much fun from the other side of the table."

Would she do it again?

"Never say never. I wouldn’t be shy to give it another go… maybe with a little more training!"

The Underdog Rises – Caleb from Peria

Then, there was Caleb.

Twenty years old, the youngest in the comp. Quiet. Calm. Didn’t say much. Didn’t need to.

At first, he blended into the line-up like any other hopeful. But as the rounds escalated—and contestants began to sweat, cry, and reach for the milk, Caleb remained steady.

Unbothered. Unshaken. Unbeatable.

"Mum told me about the comp and encouraged me to enter," he said. "I love hot and spicy food, but this was my first-ever competition."

His strategy?

"I tried not to chew too much and did my best to eat them whole. I kept my body cool and I made sure I didn't touch my eyes. I wanted to win, and that’s what kept me going."

And win he did.

He outlasted them all, and just to prove his point, he ate the hottest chilli on the table even after he’d already secured the win.

Would he enter again?

"Yeah, definitely."

His advice for anyone thinking about signing up?

"Just stay focused. A lot of it is in your head."

For Caleb, it wasn’t just about handling the heat—it was a battle of willpower, and he played it cool to the very end.

“Sweet Baby Jesus!” - Tatts Takes the Mic

Tatts, the MC, kept the crowd roaring between rounds with golden one-liners and chilli commentary that could’ve stolen the show on its own.

When the red ghost chilli, clocking in at a brutal 850,000 Scovilles hit the table, he shouted, “It must be like eating a tyre on fire!” And when a particularly monstrous chilli was handed out, he pointed and said, “Look at the size of them, they look like Willy Wonka shoes!”

Every time the heat kicked up a notch, so did his signature catchphrase, “Sweet baby Jesus!” echoing through the garden bar like both a warning and a blessing. His energy made every round feel like a main event, and had the crowd laughing through the pain right alongside the contestants.

Tatts also reminded everyone that events like this don’t happen without local community support, and he is absolutely right.

Massive thanks to the local sponsors:

BP Awanui, 9TEE Mile Screen Printing, Far North Mobile Locks, Kaitaia Auto Electrical, Oxygen8 Business Consulting, Lollylab, Local Refrigeration & Airconditioning, Steeds Butchery, PGG Wrightson, Kristy’s Bookabach, and Awanui Tyre Man.

One for the Books

This wasn’t just a chilli eating competition.

Through the laughter, the tears, and the triumphs, it was about community connection—a whānau-friendly event packed with good vibes.

And for a few brave souls… heartburn with a side of glory.

Congratulations to this year’s place-getters:

3rd place – Laurie Coutts

2nd place – Pene Waitai

1st place – Caleb Hallet

Whether you’re game enough to enter or just want a night of entertainment and laughs, one thing’s for sure:

You don’t want to miss next year.

�� Follow the F U Chilli Eating Competition on Facebook for more info and updates.

Snapper Bonanza 2025

Thu, 13 Mar 2025 06:27:00 GMT

More Than Just a Fishing Competition

Every year, the Snapper Bonanza transforms Ninety Mile Beach into more than just a fishing competition, it’s a annual event that strengthens local businesses, supports local initiatives, and brings whānau and friends together. While the Snapper Bonanza is the biggest surfcasting competition in the world, those who take part know it’s about far more than the prizes. It’s about tradition, connection, the thrill of the chase, and the shared passion for fishing, all made possible by the strong sense of community that surrounds the event.

Fishing is a Family Affair

For Jasmin Patrick, a teacher at Kaitaia Intermediate and now in her fifth year competing at the Snapper Bonanza, the event is all about whānau connections and the love of fishing.

"I always enter with my partner, and we catch up with our whānau throughout the week. His dad fishes, so does mine. My brother and his partner, my brother-in-law and sister-in-law too—it’s something that brings us all together."

This year, she entered as part of a team for the first time—herself, her partner, her brother, and his partner.

"It was pretty good because it encouraged us to fish a lot harder. It didn’t give us any more tamure than usual, but we had a lot of fun trying. Seeing our team name with a few kgs next to it and knowing I contributed to it made it more special too."

Her family history with the Snapper Bonanza runs deep—her father won a car in the earlier days, and her father-in-law won a truck, making them a lucky fishing family. But for Jasmin, the real thrill is the atmosphere.

"I always enjoyed going to the weigh-ins for the social aspect, to hear all the yarns, laughs, and banter. Now I get to join in on it too!"

And when it comes to the competition itself, the start of the day is one of the most magical moments.

"I always love watching the anglers walking down to cast each day at 7 a.m. It’s quite the sight!"

A Veteran’s Perspective

For Bruce DeVorme from Te Teko, the Snapper Bonanza has played a major role in his fishing journey, bringing years of great experiences and lasting memories.

"I started about 30 years ago. I would book a caravan at the caravan park and we would travel up from Te Teko in a van. My wife and I would move into the park with our two kids, but somehow we would end up with 10 kids on board. Then my brothers and other fishing mates joined us and now we have varying numbers each year. Sometimes we stayed at the park or motels but now we stay with old mates that we met over the years here.’"

Although Bruce hasn’t competed every year since then, he has seen how the competition has evolved with new prize formats and added activities.

"I remember when the big prize used to be fifty grand, but there were fewer other prizes. Now the main prize money is less, but you have more of a chance of winning something. There are added fun activities to fill the non-fishing hours"

However, his love for fishing has never changed.

"I love fishing. It’s just... it’s so relaxing, you know. I don’t give a shit if I don’t catch nothing."

Bruce was thrilled to land a snapper on the final day, falling just 100 grams short of 5th place . And will he be back next year?

"Yes, most probably!"

Chasing a Legacy

For Jack Job, the Snapper Bonanza isn’t just about the competition—it’s about chasing a legacy. He first competed in the event when it was still the Snapper Classic, entering five times, and has only missed one Bonanza since it began. But what keeps him coming back isn’t just the fishing—it’s a goal inspired by his father, Richard Job, who won the Snapper Classic in 1996.

"My old man winning it. Yeah. I want to do the same."

Jack was a teenager when his dad took home the $53,000 grand prize—an achievement that will mark its 30-year anniversary in 2026. While winning is always the dream, Jack says the experience itself is what makes the Bonanza special—the atmosphere, the competition, and the people. But for him, the real thrill comes down to one moment.

"Every time the rod bends over, I guess. Makes your heart skip a beat every time."

Jack is part of the Far North Slayers, the team that won the 2025 team competition with a total fish weight of 50.235kg. He has been part of the team for six years, and while the lineup has changed over time, this year marked a special reunion—the original crew from when they first started was back together.

And when it comes to team rivalries, Jack acknowledges that while the Bounty Hunters have dominated over the years, it only pushes others to fish harder.

"I think there's a bit of rivalry between every team and the Bounty Hunters because they've won so much. But still, I don't knock them—they’re good fishermen. And it makes us fish hard."

Giving Back

For Kay from Karo Tree Coffee Caravan which sits near the Waipapakauri ramp, the Snapper Bonanza is more than just a busy week—it’s a major opportunity for her small business that relies on the summer traffic.

"This is my third summer here. I’ve learned a lot over these years about what the fishermen want, and this year I introduced a bacon and egg slice alongside the usual coffee and ice creams—it was a winner!"

Knowing how huge the week would be, she brought in extra help with the cooking, allowing her to keep up with the demand.

Not only did she benefit from the influx of people, but she also chose to give back. As a small sponsor, she ran a special raffle draw, where anyone who made a purchase went into the draw to win a Brass Monkey portable fridge.

Beyond the business side of things, Kay loves the atmosphere the Snapper Bonanza creates.

"I love being busy, meeting different sorts of people—lots of out of towners/foreigners too. It’s great to see the town buzzing."

The Snapper Bonanza Poker Run

Beyond the fishing, the Snapper Bonanza also provides a major boost for local businesses, especially through the Poker Run, a popular side event that gets anglers engaging with local sponsors while adding a bit of friendly competition to the mix.

The Poker Run is a scavenger-style game where participants visit five sponsor locations, including BP Awanui, Collards Sports Bar, The Vault Bar & Café, Waipapakauri Hotel, and Browns Pharmacy. At each stop, they collect a playing card, and once they have all five, they reveal their poker hand at the Rider’s Sports Caravan. The best hand wins four tyres worth $1,000, with additional lucky draw prizes, making it a fun way to mix competition with community engagement.

According to Shelley, the manager of BP Awanui, being a Poker Run stop is a significant boost for the business, as most anglers drop in for a drink, a pie, or a coffee, in addition to refuelling their vehicles during the competition.

"We love being part of the Poker Run—that initiative alone means a lot for our business. With 1200 anglers coming through, those small purchases add up."

Beyond the business impact, the Poker Run brings a fun, social element to the Bonanza.

"It brings a good vibe. We see some anglers having competitions amongst themselves to see who has the better hand, and there are even some who won’t look at their cards until they have collected them all and reveal them for the first time when they hand them over. It’s all part of the fun!"

Supporting Paparore School

One of the most significant community benefits of the Snapper Bonanza is the donation of fish caught by anglers to local groups. This year, the fish was donated to Paparore School and later auctioned at the Kaitāia Markets. Principal John Windelborn expressed his gratitude, emphasising how much the support meant to the school.

"In the present economic environment, any extra funding to support our tamariki to enhance their learning is appreciated. One of our school values is ‘Porihanga’ or Community & Partnerships, and this is our value focus currently."

This year’s fish auction raised $10,740, a massive boost for the school.

"We have not met yet to discuss where the proceeds will specifically go, but we are planning to build a shade system over our junior playground and sandpit this year, which is also used by the community outside of school hours."

What stood out most was the generosity of the anglers, who donated their catch willingly.

"Fish caught on Tuesday and Wednesday did not need to be donated, but almost every angler said, ‘Donate to the school!’ We’re overwhelmed with the attitude and generosity of the Bonanza fishing community. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!!"

"We had tremendous support throughout. A huge thank you to Dave Collard, John Stewart, Toss Kitchen, Fish Jones, Shirley Williams from the Kaitāia Markets, and Brad Jackson, whose auctioneering skills made the event even more fun! We’d also like to acknowledge those who turned up on Sunday to clean up and the whānau who filleted fish caught on Saturday for our school gala, scheduled for the Saturday, 29th March 2025."

The Snapper Bonanza isn’t just about fishing—it’s an event that boosts the local economy, supports community initiatives, and brings people together. From anglers and businesses to local schools, it has a lasting impact on our wider community.

With 2026 tickets going on sale 7th of June 2025 at 9am, make sure you stay updated via the Snapper Bonanza Facebook page or visit snapperbonanza.co.nz .

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