Reconnecting with the age-old pastime of fishing while enjoying a refreshing adventurous day out on the water with Wish4Fish is fostering enjoyment and cherished memories for residents of Radius Matua.

Wish4Fish shows that fishing is for everyone to enjoy.

The Bay of Plenty-based charity allows vulnerable people with mental, physical and financial hardship to experience the joys of saltwater activities like fishing.

Wish4Fish was established in 2011 by ocean enthusiast Bryce Dinneen, who, having suffered a high-level spinal injury, decided to design a boat that would allow injured and vulnerable people to safely enjoy the ocean, says Radius Matua recreation and quality coordinator Klára Luxford Rulíšek and activities coordinator Cassie Rahipere.

Klára and Cassie coordinate with Wish4Fish to make the trips happen for Radius Matua residents, who have been on these trips several times.

Radius Matua residents soaking up the sun and sea vibes during their delightful 5-hour boat trip. Photo supplied.

“The residents have been lucky enough to go out on it annually, but this depends on trip availability,” says Klára.

“The past three times they have gone out, there is a total of 18-20 people. This includes four Radius Matua staff members, one photographer, the resident’s families and the residents themselves.

“The most recent trip took place on January 16 and saw 11 residents, two family members, four staff and one photographer.

Klára says during the most recent trip, the boat set sail from Tauranga Marina at 10 am and returned around 3 pm – a “delightful five hours of sea breeze and a sense of adventure”. 

Sailing with accessibility in mind. The on-board wheelchair lift and specially designed loading system ensure everyone can enjoy the boat adventure. Photo supplied / Pete Luxford.

“Residents can try their hands at fishing, while for some it’s the joy of a day out on the water and, of course, getting up close with marine life. 

“As the trips have been organised many times over the years for the residents, it’s something they look forward to every year and they share great memories with the Wish 4 Fish staff too.”

Klára says the residents thoroughly enjoyed the trip.

“It brightened their day considerably to be out on the water in the sun and fresh air and have the opportunity to fish and even explore the helm of the boat.

“The boat itself is a Roger Hill custom-designed 18m alloy high displacement cat powered by twin marine diesel engines. 

Nick Flood proudly displays his catch of the day. Photo supplied / Pete Luxford.

“It has a total capacity of 49 passengers – 10 wheelchair users, support staff and crew.”

She says the Wish4Fish boat is designed with wheelchair users in mind, along with some unique features, including an accessible bathroom, an on-board wheelchair lift and a specially designed loading system.

 Cassie says during the first trip they caught too many fish to count.

“The most recent trip they caught four,” says Cassie.

Radius Matua resident, George Tumai, enjoyed fishing during the most recent Wish4Fish trip. Photo supplied / Pete Luxford.

Their favourite part of the trip was when they saw a massive pod of dolphins that came and swam along the side of the boat, says Klára.

“There had to be more than one pod, as it seemed to be over 30 dolphins.”

“The staff and volunteers on board the Wish4Fish boat go above and beyond for every single resident,” says Cassie, “Making them feel comfortable, assisting them when needed and answering any questions they may have.”

More information on Wish4Fish can be found at www.wish4fish.co.nz/our-boat

Sailing with accessibility in mind. The on-board wheelchair lift and specially designed loading system ensure everyone can enjoy the boat adventure. Photo supplied / Pete Luxford.