The Clubroom was filled with photos and memories spanning five decades, providing plenty of opportunities to reminisce, reconnect and share stories about the people and events that have shaped KBAC since its beginnings in 1976.

One thing that became very clear as we prepared for our Jubilee was that the story of KBAC has never just been about fishing. It is a story about people — friendships, families, competitions, working bees, celebrations, volunteers and generations of people prepared to roll up their sleeves and do what needed to be done.

Our three guest speakers - Brian Fellows, Sheryl Turnbull and current Commodore Charlie Smart -  each shared a different part of that story, taking us from the very beginnings of the Club through its growth over the years and into the strong position KBAC finds itself in today.

A special moment of the evening saw Brian, Sheryl and Charlie come together to cut our 50th Jubilee cake, representing the past and present of our Club.

Guests enjoyed a continuous supper prepared by Matarau and her crew, while Sandra and the bar team kept everyone well looked after. It was particularly fitting to have Sandra behind the bar for our Jubilee celebrations, having looked after KBAC members from behind that bar for an incredible 31 of our 50 years.

The formalities were followed by entertainment from Clive and Moira – The Heartbeats (However, here in Kāwhia we know them as The Pukekos), familiar faces to many KBAC members from the many great nights they have entertained at the Club over the years.

Our Jubilee was also an opportunity to unveil our limited-edition 50th Jubilee Bonze Lure, with only 50 produced — one representing each year of KBAC.

Most importantly, the evening was about celebrating everyone who has been part of our Club's journey.

To those who had the vision to start KBAC, those who kept it going through the difficult years, those who built and developed it, those who volunteered their time, and those who continue to support our Club today — this celebration belonged to all of you.

We are simply the current caretakers of something that many people before us worked incredibly hard to create.

Here's to the memories of our first 50 years — and to the next 50.

HŪTIA TE AHO KĀWHIA BOATING & ANGLING CLUB!

Tight lines Kāwhia Boating & Angling Club!

Brian Fellows

Where Our Story Began

It was incredibly special to have Brian Fellows with us for our 50th Jubilee celebrations.

Brian was a teacher at Kāwhia Primary School during the 1970s and became a strong and active member of the wider Kāwhia community, including serving on the Kāwhia Golf Club committee and as a greenkeeper.

Most importantly for KBAC, Brian was a member of the founding committee of the Kāwhia Boating & Angling Club in 1976.

Today, Brian is the only surviving member of that founding committee, making his presence at our 50th celebration particularly significant.

Brian shared memories of those early days and gave us a connection to the group of people whose vision and hard work started the Club we are so proud to be part of today.

Fifty years later, it was a privilege to have him standing in the Clubroom and sharing that history with us.

Sheryl Vasey

A Huge Part of the KBAC Story

It would be difficult to tell the story of KBAC without Sheryl Turnbull featuring in quite a few chapters!

Sheryl's involvement with the Club spans many years and many roles — including serving as Commodore not once, but twice.

For many, Sheryl is also affectionately known as “Mrs Kāwhia One Base”, reflecting the enormous contribution she has made to one of the Club's most significant events.

When asked to speak at our Jubilee, Sheryl initially wondered what she could possibly talk about.

As it turned out, she had plenty of stories to share.

Sheryl's contribution represents what KBAC has always relied upon — people prepared to give their time, energy and commitment year after year to make the Club what it is.

It was very special to have Sheryl share some of those memories with us.

Charlie Smart

KBAC Today

Our third speaker was our current Commodore, Charlie Smart.

Anyone who knows Charlie knows that standing in front of a crowd making a speech is, of course, his absolute favourite thing to do!

Fortunately for the cluh, while Charlie might prefer doing rather than talking, getting things done is something he is exceptionally good at.

If something around the Club needs fixing, building, water blasting, painting or sorting, chances are Charlie has already noticed it and is getting on with it.

Charlie has helped lead the club into its 50th year and represents the same hands-on attitude that has been evident throughout the Club's history - seeing something that needs doing, rolling up your sleeves and doing it.

It was fitting that our current Commodore ended our trio of speakers as he leads the club into it's 51st year.