JOHN R CHIBNALL Awarded a Member of New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM)
 John Chibnal (MNZM) - Patron NZ Sport Fishing
The recent Queens Birthday Honours recognised John’s forty plus years of contribution to recreational fishing and marine research by awarding him the order of MNZM.
The Order is awarded to those “who in any field of endeavour, have rendered meritorious service to the Crown and the nation or who have become distinguished by their eminence, talents, contributions, or other merits”.
This recognition has been long overdue given the vast contribution that John has made to recreational angling. There are few people who can have been so involved in as many diverse roles and recreational fisheries areas including marine research.
John’s contribution to recreational fishing started in 1967 as a member of the committee of the Bay of Islands Swordfish Club and he has held every position including President and Chairman in the club.
He has represented the BOISC Nationally and Internationally and was a joint organiser of the first ever International club Game Fishing tournament in New Zealand. He was heavily involved in the extension of the Russell clubrooms and was also the driving force in promoting the building of the current Paihia clubrooms.
John is a life member of the BOISC and is also patron and life member of New Zealand Sport Fishing (formerly New Zealand Big Game Fishing Council). New Zealand Sport Fishing is the national body being a council of 58 incorporated clubs and some 32,000 members. In 2009 the NZ Sport Fishing was recognised by SPARC as the National Sports Organisation representing recreational marine anglers.
Founded back in 1957 by 5 foundation clubs including the BOISC, NZ Sport Fishing relies heavily on the commitment of dedicated and capable volunteers to represent its membership regionally, nationally and internationally to better manage & promote the sport of fishing for all New Zealanders, as well as its membership.
John was made an International Game Fish Association Representative in 1983 (one of only 10 currently in NZ) and still holds this appointment.
John has now served 42 years representing the NZ Sport Fishing. During this time he has held almost every position in the organisation. He has been a delegate, Vice President, President, and still remains in active service as the patron and Management Committee Representative on behalf of all Life Members and International Game Fish Association (IGFA) representatives.
John has been at the forefront of fisheries management, representing non commercial fishers interests for over 30 years. He remains on the NZ Sport Fishing fisheries management committee where his experience and wisdom is invaluable. He is also a trustee of the New Zealand Marine Research Foundation, a trust that raises money for marine research to the benefit of recreational fishers, which is outside the allocation criteria or priorities for Crown funding. John was instrumental in the setting up of this foundation, was the foundation chairman in 1999, and served 7 years in this capacity.
John has served for the past 3 years on MFish’s Northern Recreational Fishers Forum representing Northland fishers. He is also a respected participant in the Hokianga Accord, the Mid North Iwi Customary Forum
One of Johns greatest achievements, resulted in what still remains the foundation and most significant fisheries management win for the people of NZ and all recreational fishers.
In 1987, John, working alongside Bob Burstall, Karl Andersen and the late Garth Marsland, was a primary instigator, and instrumental in the successful lobbying of government, that resulted in the decision to ban the commercial long lining and sale of marlin caught in New Zealand territorial waters.
At the same time he was an initiator of the now accepted tagging programme. His actions and achievements have had a massive impact on the health of the game fishery in New Zealand. As an example, the total billfish catch in New Zealand in 1971 was only 75 fish. In the 2008 season 1415 fish were captured and of these 793 were tagged and released!!
New Zealand’s legendary game fishing waters have been effectively rebuilt and protected. They are now accessible and enjoyed by thousands of fishers every year, not to mention the economic benefits to NZ through tourism.
Best of all, at the tender age of 80, John is still enjoying his fishing albeit with a few more creaks and groans!
John has worked for over half his life on behalf of not just club members or members of fishing organisations but for everyone who drops a line in the water. Congratulations from all his friends and colleagues and extended international family.
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