The 2025 Women on the Fly NZ workshop in Turangi (7–9 November) brought together 40 participants and 28 mentors and volunteers for a weekend full of energy, learning, and connection.
Now in its fourth year, this workshop has become a key anchor in the growth of Women on the Fly NZ and was once again quickly oversubscribed. It’s a clear sign of the demand, momentum, and community spirit that continue to drive this kaupapa forward.
Friday evening welcome
The weekend began with a relaxed Friday night meet-and-greet at TALTAC. Our Build-a-Burger dinner helped everyone settle in, make connections, and ease into the weekend ahead.
Throughout the weekend, participants were well looked after by the hardworking team of TALTAC volunteers who ran the kitchen with warmth and generosity. Their nourishing, home-style meals played a big part in creating the supportive atmosphere we’re known for.
Workshop sessions and support
Saturday was a full day of hands-on learning. About half the participants were beginners or novices, and they rotated through four core workshops:
- Casting
- Rod setup and knots
- Finding the fish
- Fly tying
The Developing Angler stream offered six electives:
- Advanced casting
- Euro nymphing
- Wet lining & streamers
- Tips for fishing smarter
- Matching rods and lines
- Advanced fly tying
This two-stream model ensures every angler, regardless of experience, gets the right level of challenge and support.
To make the workshop as accessible as possible, the Taupō Fishing Club generously provided beginners with loan gear — including waders, boots, and rod setups — ensuring everyone could fully participate.
We also ran a well-supported Pre-Loved Gear Sale, where unused fly fishing gear found new homes. It added a sustainable and practical touch that reflects the WoTF community spirit.
Mentors and volunteers
A talented and generous group of mentors led all workshop sessions. Several joined us for the first time, while others were regular returners. Many brought high levels of expertise to share, and their willingness to teach, encourage, and support participants is central to what makes this event special.
A key part of the Women on the Fly NZ strategy is to continue growing our pool of mentors so that more women can benefit from women-led learning. Each new mentor brings fresh energy and helps extend our reach.
We’re also grateful for the volunteers who pitched in with logistics, setup, admin and behind-the-scenes help — their support was essential to the smooth running of the weekend.
Sunday on the river
The weekend wrapped up with an on-river session under blue skies. Mentees were matched with mentors and spent the morning on the Tongariro River applying their new skills — for some, it was their first time ever fishing in moving water.
Nine women landed fish that morning, but more importantly, the river was filled with encouragement, laughter, and growing confidence.
Community and connection
From evening conversations to shared challenges, the workshop delivered far more than technical skills. Many women arrived not knowing anyone — and left with fishing buddies, future plans, and a deep sense of belonging.
The steering group
A small but dedicated steering group planned and delivered the weekend. Their behind-the-scenes mahi — from logistics to learner support — ensured the event ran smoothly and stayed true to our kaupapa.
Impact of our sponsors
We are incredibly grateful to our sponsors and supporters. Their backing provided essential gear, spot prizes, and even rod-and-reel combos for beginners to take home.
This practical support removes barriers and helps grow women’s confidence and access to the sport — both on and off the water.
Closing reflection
Feedback from mentors and participants painted a really positive picture of a well-run, uplifting weekend that built skills, confidence, and connection on and off the river. As one attendee said, “The mentors, the atmosphere and the organisation were all exceptional – it was a ten out of ten experience for me.”
The 2025 TALTAC Turangi workshop reflected everything Women on the Fly NZ stands for:
- Building skills and confidence
- Growing a connected community
- Making fly fishing more accessible for women everywhere
To our mentors, volunteers, steering group, hosts at TALTAC, sponsors and supporters — thank you. This weekend wouldn’t happen without you, and your contribution is helping shape the future of fly fishing for women across Aotearoa.
Women on the Fly NZ
www.womenonthefly.nz