It is hoped a Christmas fairy light competition in the middle of winter will brighten the mood of Tapanui.
Marja Captijn is encouraging other residents of Tapanui to decorate their houses with fairy lights traditionally put up at Christmas time, as part of a competition suggested by her daughter.
Mrs Captijn is originally from Holland and is used to Christmas being during winter.
"Even though it is dark quite early [in Holland], all the towns and streets are lit with lights.''
Her daughter Eva (11) suggested having a competition for the best "lights in Tapanui''.
Mrs Captijn said winter could be quite depressing with the shorter days and longer nights.
She wanted to re-create the look and feel of Holland where people came home to see the streets adorned with fairy lights.
"It gives it a good atmosphere,'' she said.
"Everybody needs a little bit of light in the darkest days of the year.''
Mrs Captijn hoped the feel would be similar to a town in the middle of Christmas.
"The whole purpose is to have a little village with lights everywhere.''
Anyone could enter and there was no cost.
There will be six categories, including the prettiest, the brightest, best effort and best overall.
Although the judging is on June 18, Mrs Captijn hoped residents would leave their lights up long afterwards.
