Kia ora, hello

Like many New Zealanders, we grew up not far from rivers. Tony grew up in Central Otago, surrounded by large rivers, lakes and hydro activity, and holidays rowing the estuary and fishing off the jetty at Karitane. For Greg and Teo, holidays with grandparents in Temuka meant at least a swim each day in the sweltering summer heat, and obligatory stone-skimming competitions.

“That was 12 skips!” “No way – I only counted 9!”

We caught our first fish – albeit cockabullies in our Taua’s (grandmother’s) sieve. Late night excursions by torchlight yielded some of the many eels, the thought of which kept young swimmers away from the banks the following day.

Moving to Whanganui opened up the North Island waterways, and swimming was often replaced by fishing – spinning early on. Car journeys through the endlessly winding Parapara Road took us to Raetihi – and the famed Manganuioteao River, then onto the central plateau lakes.

Teo would later guide canoe journeys down the Whanganui River, absorbing knowledge to pass on about its rich history, interesting people and natural wonders.

As we’ve all ‘matured’ our relationship with the rivers has changed. The ‘kids’ now follow Dad’s lead – slowing over bridges to have a peek at the condition of the water below. And the kids now have kids! Spin fishing has taken a back seat to flyfishing, and the connection to nature often takes precedence over the catch.

We are regionally dispersed, so fishing together is sporadic, with one exception. A tradition continues of meeting, mid-winter, in Tūrangi for a different style of fishing, chasing the world-famous rainbow spawning runs up the Tongariro River.

Along with ‘a few’ beers and stories of the day , we sample Tony’s latest ideas for recipes – writing for NZ Trout Fisher magazine as a chef with decades of experience.

As the Turangi temperature drops below zero, and warmed with a glass of pinot noir, we would muse about bringing ‘Riversmiths’ to life. Such a thing might be centred around fishing, but be far more than that – sharing our appreciation for the rivers of New Zealand – from the mountains to the estuaries as they enter the sea.

And here we are! We’re pleased you dropped by.