6  FISHING IN GODZONE MAGAZINE
Editorial
S
ince launching Fishing in 
Godzone back in late 2014, 
I have had six new vehicles 
including 4x4 utes or SUVs 
and they have been key 
assets for driving from 
Tauranga to Auckland, Northland and 
further, for towing boats to reach 
the best fishing and hunting spots.
The reason I have had so many different 
vehicles over the past twelve years is 
due to the high mileage that I quickly 
rack up, as I easily put on 25,000 to 
30,000kms a year.  So, I like to change 
over the vehicles before 90,000km.
Recently we sold the 2024 Triton and 
upgraded to the new Kia Tasman and 
having driven it over the last month (and 
already at 3000km), the big beast has 
really impressed with its comfortable 
ride, top engine performance, the 
latest tech, and its huge cabin space.  
I can honestly say it is the best 4x4 
we have had and the sharp deal Kia 
provided saved the business money.
As we travel the motu in the Tasman, 
I’m constantly surprised by how many 
people approach us at our stops to ask 
about the ute and have a look inside. It 
certainly stands out, and there’s plenty of 
curiosity about this new Korean model. 
Because it is still so new to the market, 
many aftermarket accessories such as 
roof racks, tray liners, and tow bars have 
not yet been released in New Zealand, so 
I’m still waiting on a few final additions.
The tow bar is however a priority, 
and Best Bars have just confirmed my 
booking so once that is fitted, we will 
be towing the Oceanpro centre console 
around Godzone to chase fish and it will 
no doubt grab more attention pulling 
up to the ramp or local gas station.
If you see us, come say gidday and 
we can show you the ute, or boat, or 
at least talk up our favourite spots or 
lures that are doing the damage.  After 
the recent Hutchwilco Boat Show, we 
talked to so many keen fishos about 
rods, reels, knives, and tactics.  Every 
angler has something interesting to 
discuss, I’m amazed at all the stories I 
hear, and I could draft a book about it.
Now, there is an idea for over the 
winter, when things are a bit quieter 
and its blowing 30 knots and the 
temperature is down to single digits!
Good luck with your fishing and 
stay safe on the water, always 
take and wear your lifejackets.
Mathew Hewetson Editor at large
FISHING IN GODZONE 
Issue #74
COVER PHOTO 
Matt Hewetson with a 
76cm Kaipara snapper 
which was released.
Photo: Graeme Paterson 
EDITOR AT LARGE 
Mathew Hewetson
WRITERS & CONTRIBUTORS 
LegaSea, Scott Cushman, 
Jeremy Troup
DESIGN 
Blockstart 
www.blockstart.co.nz
PUBLISHER 
Marlin Marketing Limited 
Mathew Hewetson 
022 355 0588 
mathew@marlinmarketing.co.nz
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ISSN 2382 – 1655
fishingingodzone.co.nz
/fishingingodzone
Digital Issue #74 2026
The new Kia Tasman is a 
great 4x4 to explore Godzone 
with for the editor and get to 
the remote fishing spots. 

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