CanFish Camp 2026

01 April 2026

A day on the water, new experiences and plenty of shared laughter - that’s what CanFish 2026 was all about for around 30 rangatahi from across Aotearoa who gathered at Pine Harbour, Beachlands. The event brought them together with volunteer skippers, boat owners, and supporters for a memorable day of fishing, laughter, and new experiences.

For rangatahi supported by Canteen, CanFish creates opportunities for rangatahi impacted by cancer to connect with people who understand their journey, whilst building friendships, and taking a break from cancer.

With guidance from skippers, rangatahi cast their lines and quickly gained confidence in fishing. Throughout the day, plenty of fish were caught, with participants celebrating their catches and capturing the moment.

As well as being out on the water, rangatahi also had the chance to get up close with the New Zealand Police patrol boat and helicopter. Attendees explored equipment used on the water and chatted with crews about their work. These moments gave rangatahi the chance to learn new things and ask questions, adding to the excitement of the day.

After a full day of adventure, everyone gathered at Maraetai Beach Boating Club for a shared kai and prizegiving. It was a chance to celebrate the highlights of the day, fishing trips and sharing stories together.

The event was made possible through the passion and generosity of Mike Deverell from Barfoot & Thompson, countless event sponsors and partners, and over 50 volunteers who brought the day to life.

These contributions help ensure events like CanFish can continue to create meaningful moments for rangatahi impacted by cancer.