Far North Man Wins $30,000 Snapper Bonanza Prize | RNZ News

Local Angler Reels in Top Prize at 90 Mile Beach Snapper Bonanza

A Far North man, Harley Ra of Kaitāia, has secured a significant win at the annual Ninety Mile Beach Snapper Bonanza, taking home the top prize of $30,000 for landing a 7.665 kilogram snapper. The competition, held on the iconic Te Oneroa-a-Tōhe (Ninety Mile Beach) in Northland, New Zealand, concluded on Saturday, March 14, 2026, with Ra’s impressive catch on the final day of fishing. This victory highlights the importance of local knowledge in the highly competitive surfcasting event.

A Last-Day Surge to Victory

Ra didn’t just win the overall heaviest fish prize; he likewise earned an additional $2500 for catching the heaviest fish on Saturday. His success came at the expense of Darin Maxwell, from Ōpōtiki, who had led the competition until Ra’s final-day catch. Maxwell, a previous winner of the Bonanza in 2012, still walked away with $4500 in prize money, securing awards for the heaviest fish caught on Wednesday and the second-heaviest fish overall. Maxwell’s 2012 catch, a massive 12.03kg snapper, remains the record for the heaviest fish ever landed in the history of the competition.

The Snapper Bonanza: A Northland Tradition

The Ninety Mile Beach Snapper Bonanza is a major event for the Far North, attracting approximately 1200 anglers and supporters each year. The five-day surfcasting competition injects several million dollars into the local economy, as participants battle it out along the rugged west coast beach. The event’s total prize pool exceeds $200,000, with the $30,000 prize for the heaviest snapper being the most coveted award. Beyond the main prizes, the Bonanza also offers substantial spot prizes, including a $53,000 4×4 Ute (RRP), ensuring that even those who don’t land a winning fish have a chance to win sizeable. You can find more information about the competition at the official Snapper Bonanza website.

From Snapper Classic to Bonanza: A History of Surfcasting in the Far North

The Snapper Bonanza’s origins trace back to 1982, when the Brijevich family established the competition as the Snapper Classic. After 27 years, the Snapper Classic ended in 2009 due to financial difficulties. Dave Collard and John Stewart stepped in to revive the spirit of the competition, creating the Snapper Bonanza in 2011. Since then, the Bonanza has grown in popularity, becoming the largest surfcasting competition in the country. The event’s success is a testament to the enduring appeal of surfcasting and the strong community spirit in the Far North.

Supporting the Local Community

The Snapper Bonanza isn’t just about the competition; it also serves as a fundraising opportunity for local organizations. This year, an auction of fish caught during the event raised $14,295 for the Kaitāia Volunteer Fire Brigade. The auction, held at the Kaitāia Markets on Saturday, demonstrated the community’s commitment to supporting essential services. This charitable aspect adds another layer of significance to the already popular event.

What Happens Next?

The Snapper Bonanza is an annual event, and preparations for the 2027 competition are likely to initiate soon. Organizers will likely review feedback from this year’s event to identify areas for improvement and ensure the continued success of the Bonanza. Anglers looking to participate in future competitions should keep an eye on the Snapper Bonanza website for registration details and event updates. The competition’s continued growth and popularity suggest that it will remain a cornerstone of the Far North’s sporting and economic calendar for years to come.

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