A "safari" around the gardens of Kerikeri has raised almost $30,000 for community projects around the Mid North and overseas.
More than 1000 people visited the 18 gardens on display in this year's Garden Safari, ranging from small urban sections to large coastal blocks, helping Kerikeri Rotary Club raise arecord $28,000.
The money raised will be distributed to youth and community projects in the Mid North as well as internationally.
Organiser Jenni Wilson said finding new gardens each year was a challenge, but the standard and rich variety of gardens across the area gave the club plenty of choice.
Club president Martin Macpherson said he was astounded by the success of this year's event and wanted to thank the people of the Mid and Far North for their ongoing support.
Kerikeri business owners made 60 publicity scarecrows which were displayed around town in the weeks leading up to the event.
This year's Garden Safari competition winner with 499 votes was Charlie, made by Kerikeri Retirement Village and described by organisers as "slightly androgynous and suitably senior-looking".
Money raised by last year's event went towards the club's Dictionaries in Schools project and other causes such as Mid North youth leadership training, community growth and development, healthcare and welfare projects.
