Mount Maunganui's Main Beach has been transformed into a makeshift tent city as 850 junior life savers from around New Zealand have descended on the sand for the Oceans 14 under-14 national championships.
The event was one of the largest on the Western Bay sporting calendar with organisers confident competitor numbers would be up on last year.
It began yesterday with a minute's silence held in respect for Harrison Mundy, the 11-year-old from Omanu surf club who lost his battle with cancer on Sunday.
Omanu club competitors and supporters all wore red arm bands in what was billed Red Arm Band Thursday in Harrison's honour.
Omanu team manager Ross Parker said the club was all about family so it was absolutely right that they paid their respects.