The athletes competing at the National Surf Lifesaving Championships under way at the Mount Main Beach will rightly get all the attention.
But working behind the scenes is a group of passionate volunteers who are the lifeblood of every surf carnival.
The 50 officials spend up to 12 hours each day under the hot sun, ensuring the smooth running of the massive event that has attracted nearly 1700 competitors from all over New Zealand.
Western Bay District Council dog ranger Craig Lacy has taken more leave from his job to help out after an intensive four days working at the Oceans 13 under-14 nationals held at Mount Maunganui just a week ago.
He helps with marshalling competitors to the start line on time, starting beach and surf races, and the almost endless tasks an event of this magnitude produces.