Below is an outline of my proposal to the NZACA for future change

My proposal for a way forward and the future of the National Championship.
The proposal is to split the current category's of shore based and boat into three category's.

Champion Boat angler section
This is to remain the same, completely untouched. Everything keeps on going ahead as it does already. I am not sure this section has much of a future in the NZACA, but for the time being I will reserve my comments and look at the bigger picture.

Champion Surfcasting angler section
This section is for the purest surfcaster. For years I have heard many comments about people on the sand not having the same opportunity's as those fishing on the rocks. As a level playing field, I propose this category is open only to those to fish from a beach. No exceptions, no rocks, purely beach fishing to identify the champion surfcaster in a pinnacle event. This is to be a traditional section. Access by quad and four wheel drives permitted as well as walking.

Champion Land Based angler section
This is where I propose the big changes and changes to set steps in a forward motion and increase entrant numbers. This section covers the entire boundary. Rocks and beaches and all fishing platforms within the boundary. Access is to be completely open, allowing all private access. Means of travel is to be completely open, by boat, kayak or any other floatation device to access a fishing platform.

The definition of an allowable fishing platform is: It must be attached to the mainland on low tide- no exceptions, its very simple. If you have a location in mind that you are unsure about, ask the NZACA if it is an allowable fishing platform prior to starting the competition. As much as I would love to see islands being fished in the boundary, that would be a "non allowable platform" it is about finding a middle ground. Not everyone has a boat, not everyone has private access, not everyone has a quad bike, four by four or a kayak, but working together as a "fishing club", this section can be incredibly exciting and open a way forward for the future.

Category selection
Entrants are to select a category upon registration. You can change from boat to a land category, but you can not change from one land category to another. This way, those that select boat fishing, hire a day charter and go out for club points can still participate the following or prior day. When selecting a land based catagory it is simple:

If you intend on fishing rocks during the day and beach at night- Champion Land Based angler
If you intend on using boat access-Champion Land Based angler
if you are only to fish beaches-Champion Surfcasting angler
What about only fishing the beach but using my quad- Champion Surfcasting angler

If at any stage of the competition you intend on fishing from a rock, you are in the open category. The surf category is simple- purely surfcasting from a beach. You MUST select on land based category and stay in it the entire competition, no exceptions. The only exception is being able to fish boat- and any ONE land based category

Over all champion angler
I believe the casting for most is a "fun" event, this is to remain. I believe that all land based entrants regardless of section should be able to cast and be in contention with the over all angler trophy. This trophy stays the same as is it a fundamental part of the nationals.

NZ CHAMPION ANGLER
As this is to be a pinnacle event, I would like to see some reward for the winner of this event. Financial reward attracts cheating and dis-honest behavior. Because this contest does not have marshals and relies on honesty, I believe at this point, the best reward would be a paid/supplimented trip for the NZ Champion to attend the Australia Nationals to represent NZ. I won't go into detail, this is just an idea for the NZACA to consider. This adds value to the tittle.

I genuinely believe this format would increase interest, entrants and competition. I personally believe this is setting a front foot forward and catering for MOST people. You will never keep everyone happy. With these new rules, I believe in particular the older guys and gals should be happy. No longer do they have to compete with some young bugger trancing around rocks and running around on a beach all night, it puts "pure surfcasting" on a very level playing field and opens up allot of scope for the guys who are adventurous.

Would love to hear your feedback before I send my full proposal to the NZACA.