General Rules

  • Entry and registration for the event means you accept the rules and conditions of this competition

  • All entrants must hold a valid ticket and provide an email address for communications

  • Tickets can be purchased through CoastieKids.org

  • The organisers reserve the right to amend the rules should they deem it necessary to do so in the interests of the competition

  • Fish may only be caught using rod and reel or handline with no more than 3 hooks attached. No longlines, Kontiki, netting or spear fishing will be accepted

  • Fish must be of legal size to be eligible for entry

  • In the event of a tie, all entries will be entered into a draw to determine who takes the highest placing

  • Contestants must be in attendance at prize giving to be eligible to receive a prize

  • Measurement allows you to make an informed choice on what you reasonably need to keep for food and release the rest. We encourage larger breeding fish to be released in an effort to support sustainable fishing

  • Allowed species are: snapper, kahawai, tarakihi, gurnard, trevally, John Dory, blue cod, yellow eye & grey mullet, sprats, spotty, mackerel, parore (no sharks, rays, eels etc)

  • Fishing can be done from a boat, kayak, beach, rock or wharf within NZ coastal waters only

  • All fishing must comply with MAF rules. Download the NZ Fishing Rules app or visit https://www.mpi.govt.nz/fishing-aquaculture/recreational-fishing/fishing-rules/ #web

  • All fish must be of legal length to be entered (where applicable)

  • Contestants must be aged 15 years or under on the 25th December 2025

  • All children must be supervised by an adult and all necessary safety equipment and precautions taken e.g. life jackets

  • Fish must be caught within the competition timeframe of 6am on 25th December 2025 to 5pm 28th February 2026 within NZ coastal waters

  • Registrations close 6pm 23rd February 2026.

  • The competition organiser’s decision is final

  • Entrants and their caregivers consent to the use and taking of photography of prizewinners and their prize. They also consent to the sharing of images on organisers or sponsors social media accounts. Entrants or their caregivers may request that children's faces be covered before images are published, if preferred.

  • Entrants must be involved in the catching of the fish but may receive age appropriate help from a supervising adult. Please remember this is a kids competition and fishing should be in the spirit of this.

  • Goody bags are limited and will be provided to the first 150 entrants