Source: NZ Department of Conservation
Date: 20 August 2025
Two blokes with a tale to tell are urging whitebaiters to stay safe on the river this whitebaiting season (1 September to 30 October).
Stephen Leggett has been whitebaiting for about 35 years. “I love it. One of my favourite parts is the camaraderie,” he says.
Early one morning in October last year, Stephen was at the Styx River, Canterbury, manoeuvring his whitebaiting gear, when he slipped, went down on his knees and couldn’t get up. The water was rapidly filling his waders.
Fortunately for Stephen, there were people on the shore who rushed to help him.
“Three pairs of hands lifted me. If they hadn’t been there, I wouldn’t be here today. I would have drowned.
Stephen says he didn’t go back on the river until he had a life jacket. “Respect the river, wear a life jacket and respect the underfoot conditions.”
Brent Hogg has a similar story.
“At Tukituki River (Hawke’s Bay), apart from eating whitebait, it’s about the camaraderie. We all help each other.”
Last year, Brent witnessed a near miss at the river.
“I was helping another fisherman put his whitebaiting stand in. When he got into the water, he slipped backwards. The water came up and into his waders.”
Luckily, Brent and two other whitebaiters were on the bank to help, otherwise, he says, it could have been tragic.
“Before you go whitebaiting, pack your commonsense in your bag first. Always take it with you,” Brent says.
Water Safety NZ’s Communications Lead Elizabeth Collins says safety around water is a shared responsibility.
“Every community, whānau, and individual enjoying the beauty of whitebaiting can be helped by strengthening safety culture.
“Unfortunately, New Zealand’s drowning data reveals some stubborn patterns in land-based fishing drownings. Neglect of safety gear is a big one – lifejackets are the single preventative measure that could drastically reduce fatalities.”
DOC Freshwater Species Manager Emily Funnell says whitebaiting is a great way to catch a good feed and enjoy being in nature.
“Make sure your memories of this whitebaiting season are happy ones. No matter where you’re whitebaiting this season – whether it’s on the shore, in the surf or on a stand – be water safe.”
Whitebaiting safety tips:
- Don’t fish from wet rocks – waves are likely to wash over them.
- Wear a life jacket and wader belt.
- Carry two waterproof communication devices at all times, such as a mobile phone in a waterproof bag, a VHF radio, or a distress beacon.
- Fish with a mate who knows the area, and share any plans and expected time of return with a trusted person. Ask them to look for you at your expected location and to call 111 if you don’t return.
Whitebaiting rules, safety information and check, clean, dry guidance are available at www.doc.govt.nz/whitebaiting.
Email whitebait@doc.govt.nz for a brochure on the rules.
You can also visit Water Safety NZ’s websites for practical information about keeping safe near, in or on the water: www.watersafetynz.org.
Contact
For media enquiries contact:
Email: media@doc.govt.nz
