Media Release
22 September 2009

Historic Santa back by popular demand

New Zealand’s most loved Santa will indeed be returning to his favourite perch for the festive season after New Zealanders overwhelmingly voted for him to return.

Now in his 50th year, Santa is set to be installed in his annual spot on the corner of Queen St and Victoria St in Auckland’s CBD.

The announcement of the return of the historic 19 metre high Santa coincides with the Auckland Heritage Festival that’s currently underway.

Father Christmas almost didn’t make it through to 2009. Last year there was concern he might not be around to continue his role as the festive season icon.

However, before deciding Santa’s fate, Auckland CBD business group Heart of the City decided to canvas opinion to determine whether or not he should remain a Christmas mainstay in the city.

Heart of the City chief executive Alex Swney said the feedback was overwhelmingly in favour of the Big Guy.

“It confirmed what I always suspected,” Swney says, “that Santa is a valuable and treasured part of Auckland’s history. Twelve polls all showed strong support for him and we had feedback from London to Invercargill with a three-to-one ratio in favour of his return.”

This November Aucklanders and visitors to the city can look forward to a newly revitalized Father Christmas following his restful winter.

“People won’t be disappointed. It has been a tough winter for everyone and I’m sure we’re all ready for some Christmas cheer,” Swney says. “It’s particularly appropriate that we are able to announce Santa’s return during the current Auckland Heritage Festival which is a celebration of our city's heritage.

“Santa is surely part of that heritage and now he’ll be more than ready to keep making his mark on the festive season and welcome every boy and girl into the heart of the city for a real Christmas treat.”

ENDS

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