Good times with fishin’ lines over the long weekend!

The national Blue Light Kids’ Gone Fishin’ series for 2018 kicked off with an incredible turnout in Auckland over Anniversary Weekend. AA Insurance was there helping run the event and enjoying a fantastic day outside in the community.

AA Insurance has been sponsoring youth charity Blue Light since 2010, and involved in the Auckland Kids’ Gone Fishin’ event from the beginning. Blue Light events like this give opportunities for Kiwi kids to experience something new in a safe environment, build positive relations with their parents or caregivers, police and community, and most of all, have some fun!

Wynyard Quarter was no doubt the place to be over Auckland’s Anniversary weekend with a plethora of exciting things happening, including Blue Light New Zealand’s Kid’s Gone Fishin’ event. A team of AA Insurance volunteers geared up to get amongst local families and visitors for an exciting morning of fishing in the Waitemata Harbour. We weren’t short any enthusiasm as first-timers and seasoned professionals came together on the wharf to try their luck at reeling in the catch of the day.

Hand reels were provided to those who didn’t have rods and free bait was chopped and spread out along the wharf for people to use. A favourite of the younger kids was the free face painting in the AA Insurance marquee – glittery butterflies and cats by far the most popular face paint choice. The familiar smell of a sausage sizzle tantalised taste buds all over the area, those who lined up in the queue were surprised and delighted that they would be enjoying their snack for free. For the kids who caught anything, we were there to reward them with a little congratulatory prize, which made them even eager to catch more fish!

Gasps were heard from the crowd as the biggest catch of the weekend was hauled out of the sea, a Parore measuring 31cm. The keen fisherman was 11-year old boy Wynyard, aptly named so in recognition of his grandfather who was one of the many hands who helped build the very same place where he was fishing. Other fish reeled in included plenty of baby snapper and yellowtail. New Zealand fishing legend, and Blue Light patron, Graeme Sinclair joined the fun to give advice and encouragement, as well as take selfies with his fans! A big highlight of the weekend was the positivity radiating from the crowd. People shared fishing tips, first timers were taught how to string their fishing rod and it was great to see everyone having fun in the (incredibly hot) sun.

New Zealand Blue Light runs activities throughout the year to keep young people free from drugs, alcohol and violence, and Kids’ Gone Fishin’ is one of their most popular series of events held nationally. Keep an eye out in your area for the next Blue Light Kids’ Gone Fishin’ event so you can join us!