14 INTERCLUB • VOLUME 28, ISSUE 2 - 2022 REACHING CLUBS SINCE 1995 C L U B L I F E : W H A K A T A N E S p o r t s F i s h i n g C l u b Give us a call now - 07 323 6996 or visit our www.calarms.co.nz Alarm Installations, Servicing, Monitoring & Patrols, Camera Installations & Servicing, Access Control, Patrolman & Static Guards etc. Computech Alarms & Security L o c a l , o n e s t o p , s e c u r i t y s o l u t i o n s We provide no obligation FREE Quotes We have over 25 years experience installing camera and security systems. MEDAL MOUNTING Full Size and Miniature Orders, Decorations and Medals. Court Mounted or Swing Style. If necessary medals cleaned and new ribbon supplied. Duplicate groups made up to order. Registered with the New Zealand Defence Force as an Approved Medal Mounter. Quality work guaranteed. Contact: Russell Barker, PO Box 4104, Whanganui 4541 Phone: 06 348 7336 Email: rmbarker@xtra.co.nz Website: www.kiwimedalmounting.com www.tradeinmilitary tradeinmilitary@yahoo.co.nz Trade In Military Ltd Trade In Military Ltd FREEPHONE: 0800 770 777 | www.livingston.co.nz 42 Landing Rd, Whakatane | 07 308 6400 | stay@livingston.co.nz livingston motel relax and unwind EXEC STUDIO • SPA POOL UNITS • STUDIO WITH BATH • TWIN STUDIO ACCESS STUDIO • ONE BEDROOM • ONE BEDROOM ACCESS • TWO BEDROOM Hooked on club life in Whakatane Mark Read has been managing the Whakatane Sports Fishing Club these past three years and coming in new to the industry and the role Mark discovered there was a lot to learn; he took that learning though in his stride. The club sits in an enviable position, next to the Whakatane River and is home to 3,500 members. Asked what makes the club special Mark says it’s the staff who go all-out to make sure members and guests have a great experience. “We have a fantastic crew on board which was wonderful for me when I came in new to the role. We have a team of 4 duty managers; all very capable people.” The club’s history is interesting too. Based on big-game fishing it opened its doors in 1968 and was originally known as the Whakatane Big Game fishing Club. It has developed over the years but remains centred around the sport. “The club developed a social membership tier in the 90’s and changed its name to what it is today," says Mark. "Our fishing season is 12 months long running from 1 July to 30 June, however the reality today is that our season proper starts at the beginning of November and runs through to the end of March.” Sporting the largest wide-screen projector TV in Whakatane, the club’s two-storey premise accommodates gaming activities and large lounge as well as the ‘Anchorage Bar’ upstairs, used as an over-flow space at busy times. The Anchorage Bar is also used for private functions and conferences, a growing part of the clubs income. Covid has impacted, especially Mark says, since August 2021 where, a noticeable change in patron behaviour and attitude has been observed. “We can only control what we can control and a priority for us through this time has been to work really hard on managing our costs.” And since the country has been on Orange setting the club has managed well; learning to be nimble and adapt has been key to progressing through this time. Club nights are popular affairs with membership draws on Wednesday and Friday’s building to $3000. “We run very big community quiz nights which are popular. They are well supported because the funds raised are directed to a community resource. We have just raised $9,000 for the TECH Rescue Helicopter and last year gave $4,000 to Starship Hospital.” There are still challenges ahead says Mark. The club owns the building, while the Council owns the land which the club leases. Recently the Regional Council has been looking closely at flood mitigation issues and has identified the area the club is situated as at risk. With the current lease expiring in 2024 the club’s membership is beginning to discuss viable options, given the club may have to move. “We’re even looking at the possibility of jacking the building up on stands above any perceived flood level heights.” Mark describes Whakatane Sports Fishing Club as a bit of an institution in the town. Over the years it has build close relationships with the community. “Our priority is to put back into this great community and I think that is why we have the numbers and support we do.” The Anchorage Bar is also used for private functions and conferences, a growing part of the clubs income. Sue Russell
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