Introduction
Women on the Fly NZ (WoTF NZ) continues to grow as a national grassroots initiative supporting women in fly fishing through community, partnerships, mentoring, storytelling, and advocacy. What began in 2021 as a way to encourage more women into the Kapiti Fly Fishing Club has grown into a nationwide network connecting women anglers across Aotearoa.
This year has seen continued growth in community engagement, partnerships with clubs and Fish & Game regions, and increasing recognition of WoTF NZ as a constructive and respected voice for women who fly fish. We are also seeing encouraging growth in female membership across a number of fly fishing clubs around the country.
Regional Growth and Community Partnerships
One particularly successful example of this growth has been the partnership model developing in Nelson, where collaboration between local women anglers, clubs, and Fish & Game has created strong momentum and increased participation opportunities for women entering the sport. The success of this regional approach demonstrates the value of clubs, volunteers, and regional organisations working together to create welcoming pathways into fly fishing for women.
We are also seeing encouraging momentum in Canterbury through the Reel Women group, which continues to provide opportunities for women to connect, learn, and participate in fly fishing in a supportive environment. Groups such as these play an important role in building confidence, local networks, and pathways into the sport for women around the country.
More information on the Reel Women community can be found on Facebook @reelwomen.
Our flagship annual workshop at TALTAC in Tūrangi continues to be a major focus for the organisation. The 2025 workshop again attracted strong interest from both participants and mentors, with women attending from throughout New Zealand to develop skills, confidence, and connections within the fly fishing community.
The workshop included beginner through to intermediate learning opportunities covering casting, fly tying, river safety, water reading, conservation awareness, and practical on-river fishing sessions.
In the Wellington region, monthly practical skill sessions held in Ōtaki have continued to provide valuable opportunities for women to build confidence and improve fly fishing skills in a supportive environment. Led by Gordon Baker and organised by Cheryl Naylor, these sessions continue to attract both new and returning participants and play an important role in maintaining connection, confidence, and momentum throughout the year.
A significant milestone in March 2026 was the successful Introduction to Fly Fishing for Women one-day workshop held in Dunedin in partnership with the Otago Anglers Association. The event brought together women who were curious about fly fishing but unsure how to get started, addressing one of the key barriers identified in our community survey: access to support and connections.
The collaboration demonstrated the value of WoTF NZ’s partnership model, with the local club providing facilities, expertise, and an ongoing pathway into the sport, while WoTF NZ helped create a welcoming environment for women taking their first steps. The event also received support from Otago Fish & Game.
A key focus for the year ahead will be continuing to develop and support our mentor network. As more women enter the sport through club and regional events, the need for confident, capable mentors continues to grow. WoTF NZ plans to continue building mentor capacity and capability around the country while supporting women teaching and encouraging other women.
Advocacy and Representation
WoTF NZ has continued to strengthen relationships with Fish & Game NZ at both regional and national levels. This year included involvement in discussions and advocacy relating to the Fish & Game Family Licence structure.
Following ongoing advocacy and engagement, changes now allow the secondary adult on a Family Licence to fish independently, vote in Fish & Game elections, stand for council positions, and receive direct communication from Fish & Game NZ. These changes represent an important step toward reducing barriers for women and families participating in freshwater angling. For full coverage go here.
As part of this advocacy work, Leigh Johnson was invited to attend the Fish & Game Parliamentary Fishing Weekend held at St Arnaud at Nelson Lakes, representing Women on the Fly NZ. The weekend provided opportunities to engage directly with MPs, Fish & Game representatives, and their families while discussing participation, inclusion, and the future of freshwater angling in New Zealand.
Website, Media and Storytelling
Women on the Fly NZ has also continued developing its website as a growing hub for learning resources, event information, storytelling, and community connection.
Website traffic and engagement have continued to grow alongside our wider online community, which now connects more than 2,000 women through Facebook, Instagram, and email.
This year included the launch of Wading Through Time, an interview series celebrating the experiences and contributions of women involved in fly fishing throughout New Zealand. The series, developed by Cheryl Naylor, helps preserve stories, build visibility, and encourage connection across generations of women anglers.
Financial Overview
WoTF NZ remains in a very stable financial position, supported primarily through donations, sponsorship, grants, and surpluses generated from workshops and events.
Funding this year has contributed toward workshop delivery, website development and maintenance, educational resources, mentoring initiatives, and community outreach activities. WoTF NZ continues to operate with a strong volunteer base, allowing any funds raised to be directed back into supporting women’s participation and development within fly fishing.
Continued sponsorship and partnership support remain important to ensuring the sustainability and future growth of the organisation.
Acknowledgements
WoTF NZ continues to benefit from strong support from clubs, regional Fish & Game organisations, sponsors, mentors, volunteers, and community partners around New Zealand.
In particular, we would like to acknowledge the ongoing support of Speedline Fishing, I Love Fly Fishing, Kilwell (with their brands Orvis & Scientific Angler) and Fly Fishing with Tony. We also continue to appreciate the practical support, governance, and oversight provided by the Kapiti Fly Fishing Club.
However, there are many others who help make this successful.
🧡 Sponsors & Supporters 🧡
None of this happens without the generosity of volunteers, mentors, clubs, partners, and the women who continue to step forward to support one another, with a special shout out to the members of the steering group – the ‘WoTF Guardians’.
Over the past five years, one of the most rewarding outcomes of Women on the Fly NZ has been seeing women connect with other women who fly fish, often for the first time. Many participants are now organising their own fishing trips, activities, and regional events, creating new pathways for others entering the sport.
Strong friendships, support networks, and lasting connections have grown through the WoTF NZ community, helping women feel welcomed, confident, and encouraged to continue their fly fishing journeys.
Looking Ahead
Looking ahead, WoTF NZ remains committed to supporting women into fly fishing through education, mentoring, advocacy, storytelling, and partnership. We are excited to continue building a strong, welcoming, and connected community for women who fly fish throughout Aotearoa.
