LET OUR MIGRANTS CALL THIS HOME Te Kai Whakarongo 18 February 2025 | Proudly locally owned and operated Issue 1145 Circulation 9000
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Whitianga Fisher Wins National Award For Protecting Seabirds BY JANICE MALLOY
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John Ellwood with Her Excellency the Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro and Al Brown.
Photo credit Focalpointphotos
Whitianga fisher has received an award for motivating recreational fishers to fish in a ‘seabird smart’ way. John Ellwood of Marine Adventures is an important and influential voice promoting the need to protect seabirds from becoming hooked while out fishing. The Seabird Smart Award John has received is an initiative of the Southern Seabirds Trust, which aims to publicise commercial and recreational fishers who have shown outstanding leadership and commitment to looking after New Zealand seabirds. Her Excellency the Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro presented the award to John on Wednesday, 12 February, at Government House, Auckland. Bill Mansfield, Chair of The Southern Seabirds Trust says John’s role within the recreational fishing sector is key. “People listen to their peers, particularly someone like John with high standing in the community.” John Ellwood says “Over the last forty years I’ve developed a huge respect for the seabirds we see around our boat. Much like us, they are just after a feed for their family.” He adds “At times when there are lots of seabirds around we just pull up the anchor and try somewhere else. There is plenty of space for everyone.” The Seabird Smart Awards were established in 2005 and are held every second year. Continued on page 2
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The Coromandel Informer – 18 February 2025 | 1