The revival of the popular police charity fishing tournament under a new banner has been a success with the 2026 Ocean Ford Kai Ika Whakatāne Charity Tournament raising almost $40,000 for Blue Light.

Stephen Hermansen from Ocean Ford said the tournament was “awesome”.

“It was awesome because of the people who made it happen. We were a bit rusty behind the scenes, but this event had been running for a number of years before it was put on hold in 2020 when we’d had enough and hoped someone else would take it on. That didn’t happen,” he said.

“This year, Goose Haddock and I decided in 2025 that we’d bring it back. We managed to pull everything together, and the result was a great event thanks to the support we received.

“The weather over the weekend was fantastic, and entries really picked up in the final days, giving us 140 anglers more than we expected.”

The tournament saw impressive numbers of fish caught with just under 150 snapper weighed, along with 45 tarakihi, 20 trevally, 181 kahawai, 23 red gurnard, nine kingfish, 71 crayfish, and 270 kina.

Steve Franklin from Hammerton said they wanted to create a fun environment.

“Take the politics out of it, keep it neutral, and raise funds for charity, that’s the core purpose of the tournament. And believe me, we had a lot of fun,” he said.

Ruri Kelly, fishing aboard Jabawoky, took out the “Most Average Fisherman” title, winning the Clarry Collier Memorial Trophy for recording a fish weight exactly on the average.

The tournament raised $39,000, which will go to Blue Light. The funds will be shared among Blue Light organisations across the Eastern Bay.

Blue Light representative Jade Thompson was present to receive the donation.

“My dad, Kevin Raynes, has been part of Blue Light since I was 14, and I’ve been a volunteer for most of my adult life.

“Without community support like this tournament, we wouldn’t be able to operate or support our tamariki.

“I teach at Matatā School and love working with children, so this means a lot to my family and the Blue Light community,” she said.

Mr Franklin said there was a perception that Blue Light was just for naughty kids, but that was not true.

“It’s about supporting them, showing them options and different pathways, and helping them make positive choices.

“Blue Light does a lot for the community here in the Eastern Bay,” he said.

All eyes are now on the 2027 event, scheduled for March 5-6.