Hangler, thank you for your opinions. Appreciated and it gives me the opportunity to clarify some misconceptions. Let me start with your comment "I was always taught you get out, the equivelent that which you put in and I gather that is not the case here" Oh how wrong you are. I am proud to lead a very good Executive and I am more than happy with what we have achieved in this last eighteen months. Whilst we always strive for better, I can openly say the NZACA is in a much stronger position, both financialy and membership wise. Our relevance is in a stronger state than it has been for a long time. We can debate the Club issue till the cows come home but the NZACA is owned by those Clubs Affiliated (24 now, a long way from nine) and is not its own entity. In eighteen months so much has changed and our place and purpose is recognised in many areas.
Regarding the dispersal of information. All relevant info goes to all Clubs via their appointed rep. It then goes to all of those of our membership that have provided contact email addresses. It then goes on the NZACA Website and is listed on the NZACA Facebook page. I believe that we cover our news information superbly well. I also believe it is up to those who manage any media outlets or forums who gather that info, to post it. I expect people to step up. It is not our job to jump on every outlet.
Re not finding favour with the ordinary angler. Somewhat true but I don't see it that way. Almost 3000 members of our facebook page. While people catch fish, the majority aren't concerned with representation. I am seeing a change. It is going to get worse. All around the country. Fishing I mean, it is becoming a huge issue. I am already seeing a swell in those looking for representaion and I am putting the NZACA up to be just that.
A long way to go? No, the Association has turned the corner, we have bought many Clubs back into the fold and all of the bigger Surfcasting Clubs are on board. Sure there are others I would welcome back. I have offered my time, but I am now looking after those who have stayed loyal and those who took up the time to listen to me and without fail, reaffiliated. I would also like to mention our South Island Club.
A couple of other issues. With respect, please don't question the Pania Club. You have not belonged for a long time. It doesn't operate as you portray. It is hugely user friendly and very much family orientated.
Finally. Back to the NZACA. I am hugely proud of where this organisation is. Those who are actively involved know how huge this Association is now. Its relevance is unquestionable across so many spectrums. From the Facebook page, our Clubs, to those other organisations such as the Sport Fishing Counciland LegaSea, right up to the Ministry and Government. We don't have a long way to go. There is much to do but we are well on the way.