A new sponsor has rescued the world's largest surfcasting contest due to take place on Ninety Mile Beach in March.
The future of the Snapper Bonanza looked uncertain after the previous naming rights sponsor, a major rum brand, couldn't commit to another year.
However, building supplies firm PlaceMakers has stepped into the breach, ensuring the Bonanza can go ahead. Also coming to the party is Summit Forestry, which is providing the contest headquarters at Waipapakauri Ramp.
Last year's Bonanza drew 740 anglers, 40 of whom travelled from overseas. One keen fisho came all the way from Italy.
Organisers John Stewart, a Kaitaia printer, and Dave Collard, a publican and district councillor, said the contest's survival was critical because it invigorated tourism and hospitality in Kaitaia just as the season would normally be winding down, pumping nearly $2 million extra into the economy.