A life-like eel sculpture was presented to local iwi and the Wanganui mayor yesterday in recognition of the Whanganui being voted New Zealand's favourite river.
The Whanganui beat out 300 other rivers in an online survey run by the Green Party, to find New Zealand's most-loved river. The Whanganui narrowly pipped the Waikato and the Tukituki.
A short ceremony was held on the river boardwalk attended by Greens water spokesperson Eugenie Sage, mayor Annette Main, iwi representatives, and local members of the Green Party.
The eel sculpture was made by Sam Ludden, a Wairarapa-based artist who trained at Whanganui UCOL.
Ms Sage said Mr Ludden had given her a similar eel - with a challenge.