Who we are

Wish4Fish is a registered charitable trust that was established in 2011 by Bryce Dinneen.

Our Vision

Inspiring, Empowering and Supporting Life Changing Experiences.

Our Purpose

To provide boating activities for individuals with health and wellbeing limitations.

Our Values

Respect (approachable/patient)

Inclusivity (caring/empathy)

Integrity (honesty/doing the right thing)

Trust and Duty of Care

Founder

Bryce Dinneen MNZM

Tetraplegic & Passionate Fisho

After suffering a high-level spinal cord injury in January 2007 following a shallow water diving accident, it was my dream to take my passion for being out on the water partaking in saltwater activities, and make this accessible to all New Zealanders and abroad. I wanted to share the super amazing, healing properties of being out on the water with those who have challenges in their lives, whether it be physical, mental, emotional or financial.

In 2011 the registered charitable trust was formed and over the next 10 years I dedicated my life to achieving a vision of a purpose-built fully accessible vessel named “Project Noah” to support the beneficiaries of Wish 4 Fish and beyond. I was truly grateful to work alongside a small team of highly motivated great New Zealanders for an extended period of time, allowing us to strategically plan working toward an incredible fundraising goal of $2.4 million. This allowed us to build an 18m Roger Hill designed displacement catamaran, completed in January 2021. This could not have been achieved without the amazing support from the wider community, community funders and many fishing competitions, boat shows and sausages sizzles.

In June 2023 my services to the disabled community were acknowledged in the Kings Honours awards in which I humbly received New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM). We are now embarking on exciting new fundraising goals, including “Buy the Berth”, for Noah. I now willingly challenge you to reach out and come fishing with me, experiencing New Zealand’s boat in its most tangible form, and see the magic for yourself. Please receive this open invitation to come and be part of an inspirational legacy moving forward…

Adversity into Opportunity

THE WISH4FISH STORY

Our Trustees

Nick Dykzeul, ChairI am a Director of Finlay Dykzeul Chartered Accountants, and have been a Chartered Accountant since 2003. Finlay Dykzeul have been professional Trustees, supporting Bryce in achieving his dream since inception. Wish4Fish is an inspiring organisation to be involved with, and I feel honoured to be part of the positive impact our charity has in our community.

Ray LoweBorn and bred in Pyes Pa, Tauranga, my working career began as an apprentice at Paramount Sheetmetals, where I ended up as part owner, and continued working there for 52 years. With a long and varied career in stainless steel engineering, designing and fabrication of equipment for around the world, including designing and building a range of aluminium boats, it was natural to develop ‘The Striker’ for Bryce, which allows him to fish with a remote-control fishing system.

Yvonne BaldockMy volunteerism commenced at a young age and has continued over the years. Watching this organisation grow from strength to strength and see the outcomes of the beneficiaries, it is a privilege to be involved and help this amazing charity group continue to support people with disabilities and challenges to have the opportunity to experience the liberating and joyful feeling of being on the water and enjoying the freedom that the ocean waters offer.

Ko Ilesha Takutai Schiphorst tōku ingoa E noho ana ahau ki PāpāmoaI have been affiliated with Bryce and Wish4Fish for the last 7 years and have heavily focussed on supporting fundraising events to raise funds for the charity. I have 25 years banking experience and thoroughly enjoy being part of this amazing charity that supports whānau with disabilities to get out on the water and enjoy what they love!

Roy VealI am employed by Fire & Emergency NZ (FENZ) as an Assistant Area Commander and Training Manager for National Specialist Courses. My first involvement with Wish4Fish was to develop the MTOP for Noah, and training boat crews in fire safety on board. Now in my role as Trustee, I continue to offer my marine experience as a Commercial Launch Master, planning and writing Maritime Transport Operator Plans and the successful operation of 2 charter boat companies, the most well known being Epic Adventures on the Coromandel Peninsula.

Carly ChristieI was admitted as a lawyer in in 2012, achieving first class honours. I have grown up in Tauranga and have strong local knowledge and ties to our community. I consider it a privilege to be able to lend my expertise as a Board member of Wish For Fish and I 100% believe in the benefits of being on the ocean. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my young family, travelling and hiking.

Will Wilson - Chartered Director of Institute of Directors (CD IoD); B Agr. Sc. In my role as Trustee, I offer a significant Governance background having been involved in establishing the Bay of Plenty Branch of the IoD as Chairman for a 5-year term, along with a 3-year term as a member of the National Council Board of the IoD. I currently hold numerous Directorship and Trustee roles for entities across the Agricultural, Forestry and Tourism industries. I own and operate an Agricultural Consultancy business servicing clients throughout New Zealand specialising in rural business advice and finance as well as providing technical advice in all aspect of farming. I have a keen interest in Rugby and continue to referee at senior level with a background of over 40 years of active refereeing. I also enjoy all water sports on a casual basis.

Crews and volunteers

Wish4Fish is supported by an amazing group of volunteers. “Team Wish4Fish” is our volunteer army and they in effect make the magic happen. The membership of Team Wish4Fish sits at around 20 and is growing all of the time. From flipping burgers at our many fundraisers, to trained crew to help out on charter trips, they are an integral part of our organisation.