Surfing competition halted after photographer bitten

The competition on the final day of the World Surf League's New Zealand Pro was halted because of a wildlife attack.

Renato Hickel, vice president of tours and competition for the World Surf League, said there was a "code red" after a photographer was attacked in the water by sea life.

Hickel said the photographer had minor puncture wounds and was in an ambulance heading to hospital.

He thought it "was a shark or sea lion - the doctor seems to think it is a sea lion".

The competition was put on hold until 12.30pm.

The men's semi-finals and women's final were scheduled to be completed on Monday.