New Zealand Professional Fishing Guides Association - Who We Are

In 1975, the New Zealand Tourism Department requested a professional body be formed so they could refer enquiries from overseas anglers seeking fishing guides. As a result, guided freshwater sports fishing was formalised in 1977 with the formation of the New Zealand Professional Fishing Guides Association. The professional guiding industry has continued to operate in a continuous and consistent manner from 1977 to the present day under the NZPFGA.

The New Zealand Professional Fishing Guides Association is the largest single activity industry association in New Zealand's outdoor recreation sector. The primary role of the Association is to advocate and lobby on behalf of its members to ensure that Guided Fishing as an industry is recognized, valued and provided for by governing and legislative bodies.

The Association offers direct benefits to its members, utilizing its collective strength in negotiating agreements, with a bulk DoC Concession, audited Safety Management Plan as well as Public Liability Insurance coverage for all. Additionally, we partner with leading manufacturers in the fly fishing industry, offering Pro Guide programs to members on the best fishing equipment and apparel.

The Professional Fishing Guides Association has a strong focus on supporting sustainable fisheries management within New Zealand and works with fishery managers and environmental groups to protect and enhance rivers, fishery habitats and the environment.

Our Strategic objectives

To provide leadership among fishing guides and develop collective agreement on common issues affecting the guided fishing industry
To position the NZPFGA as a global leader in the guided fishing industry
To ensure the activity of guided angling continues to make a significant contribution to New Zealand's economic development
To continually aim to add value to members businesses and retain and grow the NZPFGA's membership base
To continually advocate for all members in support of the issues and opportunities they face
To ensure members' objectives and needs are reflected by all levels of government in policy and investment decision making
To be a financially sound association that is able to benefit members and to have a strong governance and membership structure that enables the NZPFGA to thrive

Membership Criteria

Application for membership is welcomed and those who satisfy the criteria for membership to the NZPFGA are invited to become members. The NZPFGA membership represents fishing guides who adhere to the highest ideals and who further demonstrate this by their financial contribution and active involvement through advocacy, furthering angling ethics standards, and the sustainable management of New Zealand's fisheries. For the current year's application form, please email the Association's Secretary Note, there is one intake per year and the closing date for applications is the 20th of February annually.

Ethics

(i) Comply with the requirements and obligations associated with membership of the NZPFGA.
(ii) Adhere to professionalism, high standards and fair practice in all facets of the business.
(iii) Recognize and affirm clients rights to courteous, prompt and honest service.
(iv) Accord customers of all cultural origin equal respect and consideration.
(v) Actively promote the concept of Catch and Release.
(vi) Respect the rights of, recreational anglers, landowners and other sports persons.
(vii) Ensure that advertising is accurate and truthful, and free of anything which could mislead or otherwise be contrary to the public interest.
(viii) Keep proper books of accounts and conduct all affairs in a professional manner.
(ix) Uphold and observe all laws and regulations pertaining to their establishment.
(x) Act in an environmentally responsible way.

Life and Honorary Membership

Life Members

Life membership is awarded to a member of the NZPFGA who over many years has made outstanding contributions to the guided fishing industry and the NZPFGA. The following members of the NZPFGA have been awarded Life Membership.

Bryan Colman (Rotorua, New Zealand)
Murray Knowles (Te Anau, New Zealand)
Len Prentice (Southland, New Zealand)
Kevin Payne (Fairlie, New Zealand)
Dean Bell (Te Anau, New Zealand)
Felix Borenstein (Murchison, New Zealand)
Serge Bonnafoux (Hanmer Springs, New Zealand)
Jim Rainey (Mangaweka, New Zealand)

Honorary Members

Honorary membership is awarded to an individual for their contribution to and promotion of, the NZPFGA and its members. We congratulate and celebrate the following Honorary Members.

Rob Clark (Christchurch, New Zealand)
Mike McClelland (California, USA)
Richard Upton (Auckland, New Zealand)
David Lloyd (Hong Kong)
Peter Carty (Turangi, New Zealand)

Complaints

The NZPFGA Constitution provides controls to sustain a high level of professionalism and has mechanisms in place to discipline a member should he or she fall below the expected standard. Any person with a serious complaint should request a Complaints Form from the Association's Secretary and lodge it with the Office together with the relevant evidence.

Health & Safety

The NZPFGA takes the safety of our clients very seriously and has developed a comprehensive Health and Safety Plan. Our full, financial members customise this plan to suit their individual circumstances and guiding operations. If you have an incident or near miss whilst being guided by one of our members, please notify us by emailing the Association's Secretary.

The NZPFGA secretarial contact details are:
Jodi Payne PO Box 41, Fairlie 7949, New Zealand

Email: nzpfga@gmail.com

Telephone: +64 21 713 033