Spearfishing New Zealand

Welcome to Spearfishing NZ’s web site. If you have an interest in spearfishing you should find information here to support that. Our aim is to look after and reflect the interests of all spearfishers and spearfishing clubs throughout NZ. Where such clubs have a web site of their own we encourage you to follow the links we have to them. Often you will find some great local fishing stories and photos amongst their pages.

Spearfishing is one of the most conservative forms of fishing. It is highly selective and sustainable because it can take only those fish intended to be caught while certain reef species that are resident fish, slow to grow, often inedible and sometimes protected are not taken. The Species section on this site identifies fish in both categories. We are keen to receive identification photos to be considered for inclusion either as replacements for existing photos or as new species.

Spearfishing organisation in this country dates back to the 1950’s when New Zealand Underwater Association’s clubs started to run competitions. In subsequent years the numbers engaged in spearfishing whether to get fresh fish for the dinner table, competitions, or blue water hunting for large pelagic species, has steadily increased in number. Properly employed, the selective and sustainable nature of this fishing method underpins the enthusiasm spearfishers have for their sport.

We specially draw to your attention the following:

 

• Spearfishers acknowledge the rights of all users of the ocean to share the resource.

• Diver’s Flags prominently displayed are as much a safety measure for others as they are for the diver’s own safety.

• Fishing around schools of fish at the same time as other recreational fishermen requires care and consideration as will be found in the Code of Practice that is included in the Rules Section.

• Applications for NZ Record fish can be checked against existing records

• Spearfishing contacts known to us in areas around NZ are included.

• Spearfishing Events for both men and women along with Competition Results are available.

• Current sponsors would like to hear from you if you have seen their site as a link from Spearfishing NZ