Here’s an update on the past 12 months, our achievements and what next.
Celebrating Growth and Success
Since its inception in 2021, WoTF NZ has experienced remarkable organic growth. From humble beginnings as Kapiti Women on the Fly, we have blossomed into a nationwide network connecting hundreds of women in a ‘by women, for women’ movement fed by the rapid expansion of women who are taking up fly fishing, or giving it a go!
Our Mission
As New Zealand’s best-connected community for women who fly fish, Women on the Fly is dedicated to enriching women’s lives, emphasising the benefits to mental, physical, and social well-being, and fostering respect for our natural environment.
We connect anglers, host events, and promote women-led initiatives through collaboration – building skills and confidence for everyone from curious beginners to experienced enthusiasts.
WoTF NZ is a vibrant online community for women who love fly fishing, active on both Facebook and Instagram.
Our website offers a subscription service for regular updates and announcements.
We host exclusive WoTF NZ events and offer a variety of merchandise.
Additionally, we collaborate with and support local events, fostering a strong national network of female fly fishers.
WoTF Activities and Events
Annual Workshop 40 enthusiastic participants attended our second annual weekend workshop held in Turangi, November 2023. We received amazing support from the TALTAC committee and our many supporters who made this a fun, learning experience. Special thanks to all our mentors.
Regional Initiatives
Here’s a glimpse of the local workshops and events taking place around the country, supported by WoTF NZ with advice, promotion or planning assistance.
Wellington Region
A core activity since the early days is the monthly Practical Skill Sessions hosted in the Wellington region by the Kapiti Fly Fishing Club, led by Gordon Baker. These have been a great success, attracting women from across the region. These sessions cover everything from casting basics to advanced techniques.
Tauranga
This full-subscribed 2-day workshop on 25-26th May 2024 is aimed at beginners and novices. This club initiative, led by Jill Sweeney, of the Tauranga Anglers Club is supported by Eastern Fish & Game and WoTF NZ.
Canterbury
In Christchurch, there is a new network called Reel Women, thanks to Shirley Salisbury. This group hosted within the Christchurch Fishing & Casting Club is planning a one-day workshop over winter.
Nelson/Marlborough
April saw an evening event hosted by the Nelson Trout Fishing Club attracted 25 women. Led by Leigh Johnson and Corina Jordan, we discussed the support and resources needed to enhance the participants’ fly fishing journeys. (Here’s a detailed write-up on the event by Tony Entwhistle “WoTF comes to Nelson.”)
Queenstown
This Women’s Intro to Fly Fishing event held in the Patagonia Queenstown store drew over 20 women. On Friday evening, presentations came from fishing guide Kristina Placko from aaStray South NZ, fly-tyer Luke Barlow and F&G NZ CEO Corina Jordan. Saturday saw 10 ladies join the wonderful organisers, Shelen Boyes and Kristina Placko, for a trout clinic at Diamond Creek.
Fish & Game NZ
Fish & Game NZ has become an outstanding ally, providing event support, speakers, valuable resources and promotional opportunities. (Thank you Corina Jordan and Maggie Tait.)
WoTF NZ Coordinator, Leigh Johnson and Fish & Game CEO, Corina Jordan had the pleasure of teaming up with Dame Lynda Topp for a day on the Rakaia River. Read all about it here: How fly fishing helped Dame Lynda Topp heal | The Post
How WoTF NZ can help you
Use our Out-of-the-Box Event Planning Kit to organise a fly fishing activity for women. It comes with advice, project tools, templates (for registration and evaluation) and media promotional materials.
Contact WoTF NZ to bring participants to your event through our marketing and media reach.
Use WoTF NZ’s social media channels as the place to connect with fishing buddies and hear about events around the motu.
How you can help WoTF NZ
Help WoTF NZ grow by referring women from your networks to the WoTF NZ community.
Volunteer for an event or set up your own learning group.
Introduce a woman you know to fly fishing.
Thank you!!!
Kapiti Fly Fishing Club
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I Love Fly FishingPelorus TrustTALTAC |
The Hutt Valley Angling Club & Manawatu Fishing Club, Fly Fishing with Tony (Tony Entwistle), Manic Tackle Project, SpeedlineFishing.com, Creel Tackle House, Sporting Life Turangi, Southern Latitude Guides, Stray South Fishing Outfitters (Kristina Placko), NZ Trout App, Icebreaker and Fish Scene (Jeff Wood).
A special thanks to the NZ Fly Ferns and all the amazing female mentors who generously share their knowledge and experience.
To everyone who has participated in events or engaged online, thank you for stepping out of your comfort zone and getting involved.
Looking Ahead
Website upgrade
WoTF NZ is applying for a grant to upgrade our website. Our goal is to develop a user-friendly platform that serves as a central hub filled with women’s fly fishing information, resource links, event updates, and community connections.
With your ongoing support, we’re excited to embark on another year filled with growth, connection, and fly fishing adventures. The future of the WoTF movement is bright.
JOIN JOIN JOIN
Be sure to follow our activities on the Facebook Page and Instagram.
Join the private WoTF Facebook group, a safe space for women who fly fish to share information, arrange fishing activities, and learn from each other. (There is also a Top of The South WoTF FB Group.)
Subscribe on the website to receive regular updates, event and merchandise notifications.
