‘I want to teach my kids fishing’

At the time it was closed, it was said to be done so for health and safety reasons and about that time there was talk of a wheelchair ramp being installed at the rock edge.

The only time access by the public is permitted is during special events such as the weekend’s annual fishing competition.

‘‘Sunday was perfect, people were able to fish at the wharf. It’s about the kids, and them learning a new skill,’’ Wilson said.

‘‘Plenty of people want to teach their kids but we must be the only harbour without public access to wharfs to teach our kids a great kiwi pastime.’’

Wilson is also calling for a new jetty near the port end of Caroline Bay so people have easier access for fishing and other recreational activities. He suggested it could be near the current fisherman’s wharf site.

The jetty, which is owned by the Timaru Yacht and Powerboat Club, has also been closed to the public for safety reasons since September.

‘‘It doesn’t have to be big, but it should replace what we have lost at that end of the Bay. A lot of people are saying that all the good fishing spots have gone,’’ Wilson said.

‘‘Maybe a jetty that comes out five or ten metres, with safety rails of course.

‘‘There’s a lot of disabled people out there who want to go fishing. And there’s a lot of parents who want to take their kids fishing. And that’s what it’s about.’’

PrimePort chief executive Phil Melhopt declined to comment, saying it was a Timaru District Council matter.

The council has yet to respond.