Who are we?

Founded in 1959 in Grayling, Michigan, Trout Unlimited (TU) is the world's leading coldwater fisheries conservation organization. In the U.S., TU's 85,000 members in 455 chapters nationwide are dedicated to the conservation, protection, and restoration of North America's trout and salmon and their watersheds. TU has become a truly international organization, with members in countries including U.S.A., Canada, U.K., Japan, Russia, and New Zealand.  For more information on TU, see view their web page at:  http://www.tu.org.

Trout Unlimited New Zealand (TUNZ) is not a fishing club, although most of its members do fish. Instead, TUNZ focuses its efforts to maintain and rehabilitate freshwater fisheries. This not only benefits trout, but also the indigenous species found in New Zealand waters. We view trout to be the canaries of the freshwater fisheries and thus, sustainability of a trout fishery is the best indicator of the health of a river or stream.

What is TU's presence in New Zealand?

TUNZ is a fully affiliated member of TU since 1991.  Its origins (1985) were as separate chapters of the TU, but were re-organised as Trout Unlimited New Zealand in 1991 and registered (570427) with the New Zealand Societies and Trust Department on 16 November 1992.   Since its founding, TUNZ has members throughout both the North and South Islands. Its members sit on Regional Fish & Game Councils and other like minded organizations. Despite its youth, TUNZ has an excellent record of protecting and enhancing the habitats for trout, salmon and other (indigenous) freshwater species in New Zealand.

TUNZ has the ability to access the experience (written reports) of Trout Unlimited USA allowing our members to draw on the experience of a larger pool of resources and experts.

What are our founding beliefs?

Exclusively for charitable, educational and scientific purposes, and specifically to conserve and preserve trout and other salmonid fish as game fish, and to work with and encourage constituted authorities and other conservation organisations to that end.

To seek and encourage, through land, water and watershed management the provision of suitable food and habitat for trout and other salmonid fish.

To seek and encourage through sound fishing regulations the preservation and increase of trout and other salmonid fish populations.

To hold educational conferences in cooperation with scientific conservation departments or institutions, and to publish the findings of such conferences, reports of scientific research and related information in the field of conserving and preserving trout and other salmonid fish as game fish for the education of both members and the general public.

Do You Want To Make A Difference?

Have you ever wondered why overseas visitors praise the New Zealand trout fishery? It's probably do to the fact that their domestic freshwater fisheries have deteriorated by neglect and apathy. Make a difference and join an organization that is focused on saving one of New Zealand’s prized resources.

The strength of TUNZ lies in its chapters and individuals who are active in stream care. The National Committee looks to assist those efforts by assisting the funding of projects and utilizing the strength of the total membership to assist local chapter efforts. TUNZ does not exist without the contributions of the chapters and individuals.

Join Now And Make A Difference  

Membership Category

Annual Subscription (1 July to 30 June)

Regular                    $30.00

Student/Junior      $15.00

Sponsor                    Granted by the National Committee for project support

Hon Life                   Awarded by the TUNZ for past service

All membership categories will receive Trout Magazine (the Trout Unlimited quarterly magazine) and TUNZ news updates.