20/01/2026
Hayley Lougher
Ōhiwa Little Fishers Competition to Take Place at Ōhope Wharf This Saturday
Ōhope Wharf will host the Ōhiwa Little Fishers Comp this Saturday, with young anglers aged 14 and younger from across the region set to take part in a community-led fishing event aimed at tamariki.
The competition has been pulled together by a collective of local businesses who have rallied to create an accessible, family-focused event that encourages children to get involved in fishing while learning about the species that live within Ōhiwa Harbour.
Ōhope Wharf holds long-standing significance for many local families, having served for generations as a place to gather, fish, and spend time together. Organisers say the location was a natural choice, reflecting the event’s focus on community and shared experience.
Rather than centring solely on the biggest catch, the competition will run using a bingo-card style format, allowing all participants an opportunity to win prizes while recognising a range of catches and fishing achievements. The format also supports learning about fish species and responsible fishing practices.
Organisers report strong interest ahead of the event and say they have been encouraged by the level of support shown by local businesses and sponsors.
The event will take place at Ōhope Wharf from 11am, with prize-giving scheduled for 3pm.
The Ōhiwa Little Fishers Competition is supported by the following local and regional businesses:
Ōhope Pharmacy, Ōhope Medical, Foursquare, Redwood Tree Walk, Skyline Rotorua, ZORB Rotorua, Laser Photos & Cameras, Fishermans’ Wharf, Velocity Valley, Pohutukawa Plumbing, White Pointer Boats, Cadera, Gateway Funerals, Whaitaki Limited, Ake Accountants, Peppers Building Supplies, Black Magic Tackle, Cafe Awa.
The event is open to registered participants and aims to provide a safe, inclusive environment for children to take part in a long-standing local pastime.
The event has been coordinated by The Wharfside Collective, a group of tourism and hospitality businesses that work together to activate the Ōhope Wharfside. The collective includes Mata Beer, The Waffle Clubb, Tio Ōhiwa Harbour Cruises and Oyster Experiences, Hinemoana, Oz Dogs, Harbour View Berrys’, Washington Street Filipino Street Food, Takutai Adventures, and Dream Bean Coffee.
Pre-registrations are available via: https://shorturl.at/t3blk
