Country Music singer Phoebe Ball wins title

Country Music singer Phoebe Ball, representing the Coastal Country Music Club, has been named New Zealand Country Music Entertainer of the Year.

Her success at the New Zealand Country Music Entertainer of the Year Awards in Rotorua at the weekend followed her winning the New Zealand Country Music Star Awards in Tauranga in October last year.

She also won the "Dead Ringer Band Encouragement Award" at the Trans-Tasman Entertainer of the Year Awards in Norfolk Island this year.

Geyserland Country Music club public relations officer Julie Hill said the weekend awards show was well run and all the performers were "top notch".

She said guest artists Lynne Toner, the first recipient of the Entertainer of the Year award in 1979, and Kiwi guitar legend Gray Bartlett had put on great performances.

New Zealand Country Music president Heather Holland said more than 400 people attended the awards on Saturday night.

"I think the elections might have kept a few people away but we're pleased with how it went. We had a brilliant night."

Ms Holland said organisers had received great feedback.

"For us as organisers, it's great to hear."

She said they were now looking forward to next year's awards and another round of regional winners.