Six months on from the November earthquake, Kaikōura is still getting back on its feet.
But a visit from an international comedian with a special connection to the coastal town has kept locals laughing.
Irish stand-up comedian Ed Byrne has fond memories of Kaikōura, telling Newshub he first came here 20 years ago and proposed to his wife at the town's Green Dolphin restaurant.
Byrne, who has performed on international stages like The Apollo, wanted to come back and help out after the November 14 earthquake.
"Raising money would just be a drop in the ocean, but putting on a free show would be something I could do," he said.
For the last six months, visitor numbers have dwindled in the tourist town.
The night of light relief comes as the community approached six months since the earthquake and the free concert is just what residents need to pick them up.
Byrne has just one aim for the show.
"I hope they park whatever their worries are for 90 minutes," he said.
"It's what I hope the audience get at all of my shows, I just don't feel like charging for it here."
Residents were left laughing and smiling, a pick-me-up they fully deserve six months after the quake.
Newshub.
