What they are saying
On behalf of everyone at Oroua Downs School we would like to thank the NZBGFC for the opportunity to take part in the Hiwi the Kiwi goes fishing programme. Our children live near the beach and we have never had something as entertaining, meaningful and relevant offered to our community before.
Our children loved the show and learnt so much. The children learnt about safety in and around water and communicated their learning to their parents with a real passion. I would like to congratulate you all on a magnificent programme and the Minstrel on a stunning presentation.
The resource that accompanies the programme is of superior quality and our staff are using this as next terms focus. We will also be basing our production around the themes learnt in the programme. The kind offer of assistance from the Tangimoana fishing club was really appreciated and we are going to take them up on their offer next term. Once again thank you for the opportunity and all the best for the future.
Tanya Zander
Oroua Downs School, Foxton
Hiwi the Kiwi Goes Fishing was a fantastic show - one of the best ever seen at our primary school. It was full of humour, catered well for all levels and through song conveyed the key messages around kai moana and water safety.
Bernie Oliver
Deputy Principal, Trentham School Upper Hutt
Captivating, educational and entertaining.
Raewyn Pepperell, Principal, Fairfield School Levin.
We had The Minstrel presenting to an audience of almost 500 from new entrants to Year 8 and from the start he had them entranced, energised and totally attentive - an hour and a quarter. An amazing and talented singer, muscian and hard case. I would defi nately recommend this person and his message to you.
Dave Hughes
Principal, Hilltop School, Taupo
"I attended the Hiwi the Kiwi launch on Friday at Frimley School, Hastings. Two local politicians attended, as did the press, and other sponsors with Richard Baker President NZBGFC.
While I was not a strong supporter of funding this initiative initially and was keen to see the product in its final form, I was impressed with the high level of professionalism of Mark de Lacy (The Minstrel) and the quality of the program for the children.
Given the length and breadth of exposure of Council and Foundation (3 years) I would say that we have got very good value for money and will reap rewards from this education program. This will be multiplied as local clubs associate themselves with the program as it tours New Zealand."
Peter Davie (Professor of Comparative Anatomy, IVABS Massey University. Trustee NZ Marine Research Foundation)
"I was invited to attend the Hiwi the Kiwi Show at Apanui School, Whakatane on Friday the 25th September 2009, not knowing too much about his show. It was an unbelievable experience and how he got the whole message across to 400 young children was little short of a miracle.
He had them singing, clapping, dancing and keeping the beat at all times, while he played the music and sung. He had the children’s full attention for the entire show which was around 90mins.
The message was simply unbelievable in its approach that covered lots of aspects of Fishing, Conservation ,Water safety etc… What a fantastic medium to teach the young people. I came away enlightened, exhilerated and gob smacked about the whole show. I trust he carries on with the shows and can do the whole country."
John Baker
Marine Charters, Whakatane
“I attended the launch last Friday and really enjoyed the experience. Couldn’t believe how well behaved the kids were! They were right into it and had obviously done some preliminary work prior to the Minstrels’ visit as many had created posters supporting the call to look after the fi shing resource.
From a WSNZ perspective the incorporation of water safety messages around the importance of learning to swim, adult supervision around all water based activities and the wearing of life jackets at all times on boats was excellent. Good to see local MP’s Chris Tremain and Craig Foss made the effort to attend.”
Chris Robinson
Water Safety New Zealand
A very excited Mark Hemingway current delegate for the Mount Maunganui Sportfishing Club; the aftermath of a successful Hiwi the Kiwi Show at Gate Pa School. The following talks led to the whole school visiting the club over five days with discussions about; safety, filleting the catch, what we have caught, how we catch fish, to explaining what happens in a fishing club, the records and the fish mounts on display. There were some very elated children including: "I am from Korea and have never been fishing, I didn't catch anything but had lots of fun learning", "my favourite part was when I caught a fish", "I had so much fun my Mum and Dad are now going to buy me a fishing rod" and comments from the teachers were also amazing. They said that it's the largest response for parent help they have ever had. Just goes to show how popular the lure of fishing is. Thanks heaps to Barbara Woodill, Craig Lubbe, Brian Goldsbury, Mike Speed, Mike Lenihan, Ian Steed, Shirley Baker and Rob Miller for all their help on the days. Also a huge thanks to Bruce Weston from the Big Fish Bait and Tackle, Barry Elshaw from Tauranga Coastguard and Peter Williams from MOF for taking the time to contribute to this very worthwhile exercise.
Mark Hemingway
Gate Pa School
