Raglan harbour ‘Full of surprises’ for South African born fisherman
After a few months, Adrian Naicker discovered Raglan to be more than just surfing and snapper.
Raglan, a town off the coast within the Waikato Region of New Zealand’s North Island, is a fisherman’s paradise. Known for its surfing mecca and its unique black-sand casting from the shore of Ngarunui beach, the town has painted a seaside picture to the public, attracting the youth, tourists and retirees. For locals, Raglan’s value differs as since the 1960’s the township has seen many fisherman thrive off its potential.
Adrian Naicker, originally from South Africa, moved to New Zealand in 2008 talks about his experience in Raglan. Adrian explains the resemblance Raglan’s coast line has to the beaches in South Africa and never fails to encapsulate his culture without intention. After spending a few months residing in this beach town he describes it to be “full of surprises” and says “Raglan is a very energetic place for a small town, there seems to be life and energy in everything which makes it stand out compared to the rest of the beaches around the country that I’ve been to.”
Adrian identifies a few things he feels separate Raglan from the ordinary domains. In particular Adrian feels that the Whaingaroa harbour waters contain more life than the information boards project about fish living in the bay. Adrian touches on one of his fishing experiences whilst venturing in the harbour on the west side of Raglan. After spending a couple of hours out with the rod he had an unexpected excitement when instead of usual snapper, he fished up a hammer octopus, a creature that is a unique find in these waters.
Adrian says there is a community that has developed in Raglan through many individuals’ love for fishing; This is shown in the Raglan Sport Fishing Club, inclusive of its tournaments and presence on live television in local bars. Adrian says there is a sense of unity that comes with the fishing community, adding that Raglan is “Teaming with life, the people, the union”.
The fishing community of Raglan truly brings people from a variety of ages together, being a coastline beach town it has honourably enabled people to live out their fishery interests and inspired new hobbies.
