Balclutha resident Emily Wells received a runner-up award in Tūhura Otago Museum’s Aotearoa Amateur Wildlife Photography Competition for her image of woolly fringe-moss. Photo: Emily WellsA chance snap for a cellphone background has led to an awards nod for one Balclutha resident. Surprised by its striking beauty — and resemblance to a Fiordland forest in miniature — she submitted it to the Tūhura Otago Museum Aotearoa Amateur Wildlife Photography Competition. A spokesman for the competition said Miss Wells’ submission was illustrative of a very high calibre of entries this year. "This has been a record-breaking year that has cemented the competition’s place as one of New Zealand’s leading amateur wildlife photography events.

Source: Otago Daily Times April 10, 2026 17:02 UTC