Wanganui tree climber Clay Winter blitzed the field at the Wellington regional tree climbing championships at the weekend.
The championships were held at Wanganui's Kowhai Park for the first time, and around 30 climbers took part.
Mr Winter came first, followed by the field's only female climber, Nicky Ward-Allen from Eltham.
Mr Winter - who works as an arborist - said he was delighted by the win.
"It was especially good in my home town, with all my family there."
Two other Wanganui climbers placed in the top 15. Mr Winter said the out-of-town climbers appreciated having different trees to climb.
"The championships are usually held in Wellington, and they always climb the same trees. So I think it was a good challenge for them to climb some different trees," he said.
Saturday's fine weather brought plenty of spectators out to Kowhai Park. Children were given the opportunity to try tree climbing, and Mr Winter said it was pleasing to see so many have a go.
Next up for Mr Winter is the national championships, to be held in Wellington on October 27. He is currently ranked sixth in New Zealand.