Te Anau snappers win big at awards

Te Anau photographers William Patino (left) and Douglas Thorne have put the spotlight on the Southland town after making their mark at the New Zealand Geographic (NZGeo) Photographer of the Year Awards.

There were 40 finalists chosen from 6000 entries at the awards, which were held at the New Zealand Maritime Museum in Auckland. Mr Patino won the Resene colour award, was runner-up in the landscape category and was second in the people's choice category, while Mr Thorne won the wildlife category and came third in the people's choice category.

Mr Patino said while he seldom entered competitions, the NZGeo was one not to miss.

"It’s definitely nice to be acknowledged by your peers."