Whakatāne Sportfishing Club’s Guppies on the Wharf event has won best community engagement at the inaugural Clubs New Zealand Club and Community Awards.

The awards, which celebrate excellence across community spirit, engagement, gaming, food and beverage, and overall club experience, were announced at an event in New Plymouth on Friday.

Whakatāne Sportfishing Club was recognised for Guppies on the Wharf, an initiative introducing children aged 2-10 to fishing.

The first 200 participants receive a rod, reel, bait, and handson guidance; a fantastic resource for families where parents may never have learned to fish themselves.

Demand has exceeded capacity every year, and the addition of a weigh station in year two has added even more excitement.

Driven by vice-president Mandy Lewis and supported by sponsors and volunteers, the event removes all financial barriers and strengthens family bonds, outdoor activity, and community connection.

Club president Heyden Johnston said it was fantastic to win the award.

“It really just goes to show all the hard work that our club and our volunteers and our paid staff put into making sure that the Whakatāne Sport Fishing Club is one of the best clubs in New Zealand.”

The other clubs honoured were: Upper Hutt Cosmopolitan Club (Spirit of Club Award); Mangere Cosmopolitan Club (Club Connect Award); Richmond Club (Excellence in Food & Beverage); Petone Club (Standout Gaming Venue Award); Glenview (Club Excellence Small); and New Plymouth Club (Club Excellence Large).

Clubs New Zealand chief executive Lucy Waterreus said the awards highlighted the important role clubs played in their communities.

“While clubs offer many benefits, their existence is completely focused on serving their local community, whether that’s providing a friendly place for a pint, a space to play cards, share a meal, enjoy sport, or connect over memories.

“These awards were created to recognise that community spirit and to showcase the significant work clubs have committed to ensuring the continual success and growth of their clubs in the effort of ensuring club life and community engagement will live on for future generations.”