Thursday, 25 September 2025

Fishing friends find fun at kids’ day

    1. The Star

    School pals Howie Craig (left) and JJ (Jonah) Nareki, both 5, show off their prized catch at...
    School pals Howie Craig (left) and JJ (Jonah) Nareki, both 5, show off their prized catch at Saturday’s "Take A Kid Fishing" at the Southern Reservoir in Dunedin. PHOTO: BRUCE QUIREY, OTAGO FISH & GAME
    Two young pals will have a trout tale to remember.

    Five-year-old friends Howie Craig and JJ (Jonah) Nareki both came away winners at Saturday’s "Take A Kid Fishing" at Dunedin’s Southern Reservoir.

    Howie caught a trout alongside school buddy JJ — the same weekend JJ’s dad, Otago rugby winger Jonah Nareki, returned with the Ranfurly Shield.

    In a statement, Howie’s father, Jason Craig, said the young friends had been inseparable since day care.

    “They are real good pals, so we took JJ fishing while his dad was away playing rugby.

    “The boys were having a laugh together. They were not getting bored — just casting away.

    “Howie has been fishing since he was 3 and caught that trout all by himself."

    It was good to get them out fishing, Mr Craig said.

    "They had a ball.”

    It was JJ’s first time fishing.

    “He learned how to cast and stuff like that.

    “It is good to bring the younger ones along.”

    Passing on knowledge was important to him.

    “My dad taught me how to fish and my grandfather taught my dad.

    "I love doing it.”

    Howie has attended Take A Kid Fishing for several years.

    It was a great community event that provided an opportunity for people who did not have fishing gear or experience, Mr Craig said.

    More than 250 children and their caregivers took part over the first two days.

    Otago Fish & Game officer and hatchery manager Steve Dixon said the weekend was a great success.

    “The weather was perfect — sunshine and warm conditions."

    About 25 fish were brought to the cleaning table on day one.

    "Even with slower fishing on day two, the kids’ smiles and thank-yous showed they had a great time.”

    Another 300 rainbow trout will be released this week for next weekend’s fully booked event.

    Mr Dixon thanked volunteers and supporters Otago Community Trust, OceanaGold and the Dunedin City Council for making the event possible.

    The Southern Reservoir remains closed to public fishing until October 1. — Allied Media