A festival which is bringing economic benefits to a popular Whangarei summer location during winter has been named a finalist for a national award.
The Tutukaka Coast Winter Festival has been named a finalist in the Best Community Event of the Year category for this year's New Zealand Event Awards.
Kate Malcolm said she and her fellow organisers were "proud as punch" to be recognised at that level.
Read more: Tutukaka winter festival brings cash and people to coast
"Up against some big national events, and for little old Tutukaka - we're punching above our weight."