Local Stories

There’s something about watching grown adults cry into baby wipes that really brings a community together. I arrived just after 5pm at the Waipapakauri Hotel garden bar, and the place was buzzing. The sun was out, the energy was high, and the kids' sour lolly competition was already underway. Dozens of tamariki, faces set with determination, hands planted firmly on the table, powering through round after round of lip-puckering lollies. It felt like watching a mini army of sugar warriors. I swear, some of these kids had trained for this moment. As I stood there, surrounded by whānau cheering and laughing, I had a feeling: we were witnessing the next generation of chilli comp legends in the making.

Every year, the Snapper Bonanza transforms Ninety Mile Beach into more than just a fishing competition, it’s a annual event that strengthens local businesses, supports local initiatives, and brings whānau and friends together. While the Snapper Bonanza is the biggest surfcasting competition in the world, those who take part know it’s about far more than the prizes. It’s about tradition, connection, the thrill of the chase, and the shared passion for fishing, all made possible by the strong sense of community that surrounds the event.