For the members of Kāpiti’s Underwater Dive Club (KUC), life doesn’t get much better than a windless day with crystal-clear underwater visibility and plenty of fish in the water. That’s perfection—unless, of course, they’re doing something even better: giving back to their community by supporting Mary Potter Hospice.
For over 50 years, KUC has been a way of life on the stunning Kāpiti Coast, where spearfishing isn’t just a sport but a tradition. Here, catching your kai straight from the sea is second nature, and the club has built a close-knit family of passionate spearos who share a deep love for the ocean.
“We just love the ocean, spearfishing, and spending time together – we’re like a big family who enjoys doing good!”
But their love for the sea goes beyond just catching fish. Each year, around the end of February, as summer reaches its peak, the Club hosts its Annual North Island Spearfishing Competition—an event that has become a highlight of the local fishing calendar. What makes this competition special isn’t just the sport itself, but its greater purpose: every fish caught is weighed, measured, and then, with approval from MAF, auctioned to the public, with all proceeds going to Mary Potter Hospice.
“It started over 20 years ago, and Mary Potter Hospice is a cause close to our hearts. We love how they support the community, and we are proud to contribute to their incredible work.”
Since 2002, the Club and its dedicated organising committee have stepped up year after year, raising significant funds to support hospice care. The 2025 competition was another outstanding success, drawing an enthusiastic crowd and pushing the total amount raised by KUC members to over $111,000!
The generosity and community spirit shown at this event continue to make a huge impact, ensuring that hospice care remains free for those in need across the Kāpiti region.
A special congratulations to Kāpiti’s Underwater Club on reaching this incredible milestone! And a heartfelt thank you to Doug Palmer and the team from Paraparaumu Harcourts, along with everyone who made this event possible.
“I am proud to have been involved in this event and to have witnessed its incredible growth over the years,” says Doug*. “I remember when the donation to Mary Potter started at just $242 in 2002. Last year, we reached an astonishing $100,000! Harcourts is honoured to support and coordinate the fish auction each year.”
With the help of several major sponsors, the Club and Auction Committee raised over $11,000 in cash this year alone.
“This was a massive effort,” says Club President Geoff McDonnell. “The Kāpiti Underwater Club and Committee did a phenomenal job promoting and organising this event, and their dedication to raising funds for the Hospice is truly inspiring.”
Geoff and the entire Committee are passionate about continuing this legacy and are already looking forward to next year’s competition—another opportunity to support Mary Potter Hospice and make a difference in the community once again.
Here’s to another year of spearfishing, community spirit, and giving back!