On February 24, 1966, a group of friends headed out on a fishing trip aboard a boat called Takapu. The group landed a striped marlin; an achievement regarded as a first for Whakatāne and one that would eventually help give rise to Whakatāne Sport Fishing Club as it is known today.

Since then, the club has grown steadily, from 328 members in its first year to more than 3000 today, making it one of the largest sport fishing clubs in New Zealand.

Over the years, many people have come and gone, while others have dedicated themselves to helping the organisation succeed.

One of those people is Jenny Chapman, who first went game fishing when she was 16 alongside her boyfriend, Stuart Chapman, who would become her husband of 48 years and is a mad-keen fisherman.

She first walked through the sport fishing club’s doors in 1995 and now, more than 30 years later, has received a life membership in recognition of her tireless work and dedication.

“I served on the committee for two years and was the 1997 Tuna Tournament convenor. I saw a problem with the fishing administration and volunteered to take on this role about three years ago,” she said.

“Last year, I stepped away from this and handed the job to Rochelle Fleming, the club secretary, so I could concentrate on digitising and recording the club’s history and collating information for a book due to come out later this year for its 60th year. I have also been given the title of ‘club historian’,” she said.

The club is currently without a manager so Chapman has stepped in to assist Fleming, who is also the events and tournaments co-ordinator, with fishing administration for the 2026/27 year where her knowledge of fish should prove invaluable.

Like many long-serving members, she is always willing to help wherever she can.

The club held its annual awards evening recently, with Chapman helping with the setup.

While preparing for the event, she noticed how many of the trophies represented multiple generations, with some members who had once received junior awards now appearing on the senior trophies.

Club president Heyden Johnston, for example, was a New Zealand record holder and trophy winner as a junior.

Junior trophies have also been shared by Stuart Chapman, his daughters and Chapman’s granddaughter.

Back in the 90s when their children were teenagers, the Chapman family had decided they needed to get them involved in something to keep them on the right track, and fishing seemed the obvious choice.

“Our son wasn’t that keen to begin with, but that has since turned around.

“He is now an adult and a member of the club. Our daughters won New Zealand records and a world record, and one of our daughters and her family are also members of the club,” Chapman said.

She enjoys the social side of the club and meeting with friends on a Friday night.

“The culture at the club is great, steeped in tradition, but still just everyday people,” she said.

As for the life membership – Chapman was surprised by the honour.

“I was overwhelmed and honoured, as were my family. I have enjoyed being part of the club and did not expect such a prestigious award,” she said.

From the club’s perspective, she is a worthy recipient, with Fleming full of praise for her work ethic and contribution.

“When I was asked to come on board and assist with the tournaments, it was with the ladies’ tournament where I recorded all the anglers and their catches.

“This lady breezed in very competently and requested all the completed measure sheets.

“I went upstairs and quietly put the sheets on the desk beside who I now know was Jenny.

“Even when first meeting her, I knew she was a force of nature – calm, serene and totally in control of the situation.

“Then I was offered the tournament co-ordinator position because Jenny wanted to step back and hand over the reins.

“I heard she thought I would be good because she could read my handwriting and knew I would be accurate with the recording.

“I knew I had big shoes to fill, but Jenny has been my rock over the past couple of years.

“She has stepped up and helped me when the load was too great, while never wanting to be in the limelight.

“She works away tirelessly behind the scenes, ensuring a smooth-running, accurate event for the anglers,” said Fleming.

Now, alongside her work with the club, Chapman is its historian, submitting pieces for the club newsletter, organising photographs for the display at the 60th anniversary celebrations and creating a book commemorating the Whakatāne Sport Fishing Club’s 60-year history which she has also played a significant part in creating.