RULES

The Official Rules of the Rakaia Salmon Fishing Competition

27th February - 1 March 2026

1. Anyone choosing to fish must at all times comply with the North Canterbury Fish & Game Council Rules current at the time of the event.

2. NO fish are to be taken to the hall for weigh in.

This year, the competition is a giant prize pool only.

3. Should you choose to fish over the weekend, you must hold a valid NZF & GC Licence. By law, this must be carried with you at all times.

4. Senior Entrants must be 16 and over on 1st October 2025 and Junior Entrants must be 15 and under on 1st October 2025.

5. Each registration must be accompanied by the entry fee of $95 for Senior or $20 for Junior and be received and paid online at the time of registration.  Any entries after 17 February 2026 will incur a late penalty fee $10.

6. Entries are limited to 750 Senior & 150 Junior. The Committee cannot be held responsible for any lost entries. If you do not receive your confirmation email within 5 days please email registrations@rakaiasalmon.co.nz.

7. The Committee reserves the right to close entries prior to, or accept entries after, the official date. These decisions will be made at their discretion.
   
   

Photo competition

8. Competitors for photo entries will be required to produce their Fishing Licence, (if their photo contains any fish requiring a licence to catch) & Entrant ID card in accordance with the rules of the event and any applicable Fish & Game requirements. 

9. In the event a salmon is caught over the event, you can submit this photo for entry.  You can release it or keep it & record it on your Sea run salmon card in line with fishing rules referred to in 1 above.  

10. For clarity, if you go surfcasting and catch a fish, that doesn’t need a fishing licence (examples are elephant fish or gurnard) you do not need to produce a fishing licence to enter that in fish in the photo competition.

11. All photos must be taken in the Rakaia River catchment area. 

12. There is a limit of 2 photos per category per day. Categories for photos are:

13. Photos containing fish with net marks, foul hooking marks, deterioration or frozen will not be accepted.

14. At the conclusion of the weekend, the final raffle draw will be held at the Community Hall on Sunday 1 March 2026 starting at 12pm.

15. Daily Drawn Prizes on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evneings, i.e. spot prizes, superdraws, lucky draws & photo competition are open to all Senior Competitors present at the social functions each evening from 7.30pm. 

16. To be eligible to claim a drawn prize, competitors must be present at the time of the draw.

17. One prize per person per draw or category per day.

18. Any protests must be in writing and delivered to the Secretary prior to 10am on Sunday 1 March 2026. The decision of the Committee shall be binding. Provided that, in the event of the Committee determining at any time after that fixed for lodging of protest, that a serious breach of the rules has occurred, it may, at its discretion, reclaim and re-award any prize.

19. Official Entrant Numbered ID Cards or Visitor Passes must be displayed at all times while in the hall or Social Area. If they are not visible you will be asked to produce them. Failure to comply with this rule may result in persons being asked to leave the venue. Extra Visitor Passes are available at $5 per person per evening.

20. Rakaia River Fishing Promotions Inc. have sponsored this competition in the interest of all who enjoy salmon fishing in the Rakaia River. Jet boaters are asked to observe normal fishing etiquette and recognise the rules of the river. They are also asked to pay the ramp fee at the Rakaia Huts, as this is a private ramp.

21. Junior Competitors must also abide by these rules.

22. Junior Competitors must be present at the Final Prize Presentation on Sunday 1 March 2026, starting at 12pm, to claim any Drawn Prize.  All prizes are lucky draws.

23. Junior Competitors must be able to provide proof of age, if requested.

24. Prizes are not redeemable for cash, firearms, ammunition or alcohol. Prizes that have been presented in voucher form are not transferable.

25. All entrants enter this event at their own risk. The organisers of this competition shall have no liability to any competitor for loss, damage or injury arising out of the competition howsoever caused.

26. Nightly Social Functions will continue with all prizes for that day being drawn as either Spot Prizes or Superdraw prizes.

27. In the event of insufficient entries being received to make the Competition viable, entry fees will be refunded. Such a decision will be made prior to Wednesday 19th February 2026.

28. Any breach of the above rules will result in disqualification from the Competition and the Committee may bring action for any infringement whether civil or criminal.

29. This Competition is organised and administered by Rakaia River Fishing Promotions Inc. and all entitlements under the Competition arise with and are enforced by that society.

30. Full prize list published on the web site (www.rakaiasalmon.co.nz) in March 2026.