Inconsistent weather forecasts are being blamed for the lower than expected turnout at the annual Hokitika Wild Food Festival over the weekend.
A punter at this year's Hokitika Wildfood Festival. Photo: Facebook / Wildfood festival
Almost 6000 people attended the festival this year, which was more than a 10 percent drop when compared with last year's turnout.
Event manager Ashley Cassin said inconsistent weather forecasts had a direct effect on ticket sales.
Mr Cassin said separate weather platforms had different forecasts for the weekend.
He said he had expected to see growth in festival attendees, as there was strong ticket sales for last year's festival.
A report will be presented to the Westland District Council in April, when it will be known what the financial loss of the festival cost ratepayers.