While Airbnb is being blamed for fuelling high rents in Auckland, Westland Mayor Bruce Smith says the online service has been a blessing for his district.
The Hokitika Wildfoods Festival kicks off on Friday and Mayor Smith says if it weren't for Airbnb, people attending such events would struggle to find somewhere to stay.
He tells Guyon Espiner the delicacy of the festival is pickled sheep balls.
