Support us
Around 500,000 people or 19% of people living in the upper North Island are affected by at least one disability or impairment. We are dedicated to making saltwater fishing accessible for all!
Your donation today helps provide charter trips for over 1000 beneficiaries per year – Thank you!
The impact of your support
This year we aim to provide a day out on the water for over 1000 beneficiaries. This includes a wide spectrum of the community, from specialist health care units through to our aged care residents.
The purpose of the charity is to provide individuals with a physical or mental disability, illness or financial hardship, access and opportunity to enjoy the freedom and pleasure of our ocean waters.
Empowering individuals with a physical or mental disability, illness or financial hardship, to benefit from the confidence building and therapeutic freedom of being on NZ’s ocean waters. Fishing for kai moana, is the central vehicle around which this goal is achieved. However, the Wish4Fish trips themselves, carry huge capacity for healing, excitement and respite for participants, as well as volunteers and care givers alike.
Conditions we support
Thanks to your help we support people with a range of conditions.
Mental conditions
ADHD, Asperger’s, Autism, Psychotic, Autistic Traits, Bi-polar, Brain Injury, Cerebral Palsy, Delusional, Depression, Anxiety, Alcohol Dependent, Down Syndrome, Epilepsy & Intellectual Disability, Foetal Alcohol Syndrome, Global Development Delay, Intellectual Disability, Non-organic Psychosis, Psychosis, Schizoaffective Disorder, Schizophrenia, Selective Mutism, Financial Hardship, Hodgkin’s Disease.
Mental/Physical Conditions
Friedreich’s Ataxia, Global Development Delay, Organic Psychosis (head injury).
What our participants say
“dream come true”
The day was perfect for the 15 people with disability 4 of whom use a wheelchair for their mobility. From the moment we arrived everyone was put at ease by the comprehensive but relaxed health and safety checks. The fact that everyone had the opportunity to catch fish, and take home fresh fish for the family was the icing on the cake.
For some of the people we support this was indeed a dream come true, as the thought of going out on a boat in a wheelchair was up to now, a daunting task. The fact that everyone could freely move about on the boat even up to the bridge is a testament to the thought that went into the design of the boat.
To have a purpose built vessel that meets universal design and can cater for everyone including people with disabilities is such an asset to the wider community and one that opens up the possibilities for total inclusion and that everyone regardless of ability has the opportunity to participate in activities that many of us take for granted.
Peter Gibson
General Manager
Arohanui Art and Education Trust
“infectious enthusiasm”
Wish4Fish offer a truly accessible experience for all capabilities, with a can-do attitude and infectious enthusiasm. The commitment they have to the disability community is above and beyond and ensures the experience allows for true participation of each individual. The boost in confidence and sense of achievement this activity provides and at such a quality level is truly appreciated.
A chance to take part in a meaningful and genuine way where any barriers disappear is a rare opportunity. Thank you to all the team at Wish4Fish for making this happen.
Jo Crosby
Team Leader – Support Services
Geneva Health
“easy and accessible”
ConneXu was one of the lucky ones to be the first out on the water with the Wish4Fish crew. The registration process, the communication from Tony and his team made the whole day easy and accessible for us. Right from the moment we arrived the Wish4Fish team were respectful, helpful, and related well to our people.
Every single person was given the opportunity to fish and was supported to the best of their abilities. It was an experience for some of our people they never thought would be possible. It showed them that if they dream big and work hard to make something happen anything is possible also, that there are opportunities out there that are accessible and adventurous for people with disabilities.
The Wish4Fish experience is a highly recommended and talked about experience in our organisation. I already have lists of people who are hoping to get their turn out on the water with Wish4Fish soon. We look forward to getting out there again, challenging the status quo, feeling the sea breeze, and seeing the smiles on the faces of our people as they get to experience and enjoy something they wouldn’t normally get the chance to do.
Ellie Ngatai
Community Mentor
ConneXu
Make a donation
Make a donation today and empower individuals with a physical or mental disability, illness or financial hardship, to benefit from the confidence building and therapeutic freedom of being on NZ’s ocean waters.
Updates
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