A popular national sandcastlecompetition in Christchurch on Saturday will be limited to local competitors due to a lack of money.
Two American teams were flown over for the event last year, financed by the Pegasus Bay Charitable Trust, but restricted funds this year have limited the event to local artists.
Trust chair Roger Turner said he did not think the absence of professional teams will reduce audience numbers.
The competition attracted controversy in its first year, last year, because Christchurch City Council members flew to San Francisco to research the event.
Abound 12,000 people are expected at New Brighton beach from 9am - 4pm to view 60 sand sculptures, featuring turtles, seals and Middle Earth characters.
