Hangler the reason people go to this comp is that it gives them an excuse to fish the far north. I went for the first time this year and absolutely loved it. People who fish this comp go back every year because of the comp and where it is!! Geez any reason to fish the far north that the wife will buy is good enough for me. I started saving straight after this years so Im set for next year. The pak n save up there should be the main sponsor as the amount of money spent there by contestants would far surpass the sponsorship expenditure. The bonanza ain't broke at all.

And if you want 5 heats and a final go carp fishing in Britain, make sure the drawing straws for your stand is all above board and that your corn and maggots are fresh.
If you whittle it down like that,no-one would come,no one would stay till the final prizegiving apart from the handful who could actually win anything.
You say that its too expensive to head to the far north for one comp then suggest having 5 scattered around the country. Doesn't make sense. Would you infact get the best anglers there? Its flawed as the top anglers from clubs or/ competitions might not be the best anglers in their club. Some outstanding anglers cannot attend every comp due to work and other commitments.
It has been brought up before at NZACA level by people that had been in positions for a while who never tried it when they were in. They didn't even realize that they wouldn't be able to compete!!