A river on the Mahia Peninsula has narrowly missed out on winning a major award, with the judges calling its management unique and a worldwide example.
The Whangawehi Catchment Management Group was one of three finalists competing for the 2019 Thiess International Riverprize , which is the world's foremost prize in river basin management.
Project manager Nic Caviale-Delzescaux said the nomination confirms the group is operating at an international level.
"That's a great encouragement for all our Whangawehi community.
"We were rubbing shoulders with inspiring initiatives that show how integrated river basin management can restore and protect rivers, wetlands, lakes and estuaries."