Photo: Supplied / Auckland Council
Auckland's Santa Parade will celebrate its 91st year with a well-known Australian pup making her first appearance.
Bluey will have her own float in the festive parade on Queen Street on 24 November.
Many other floats are expected to energise the parade, including one made entirely of LEGO, a giant pink guitar inspired by K-pop, and a Kiwiana caravan that captures the spirit of a Kiwi summer.
There will also be a team of new 'elves' dedicated to keeping the city safe.
A team of community wardens from the the council's safety team, police, Māori Wardens, Community Patrols NZ, and Auckland Transport will oversee the inner city streets throughout the festivities, whilst participating in the parade.
Manukau ward councillor Alf Filipaina welcomed the new addition of the 'elves'.
It provides an opportunity to highlight the wardens' role in the city, Filipaina said.
Bluey will have her own float in the festive parade on Queen Street on 24 November. Photo: Supplied / Auckland Council
The safety team of fresh 'elves' will have their uniforms adorned with Christmas tinsel as they walk with their families in the parade.
"I think it'll be a good thing for them to march. At least they can see some of the people who are actually doing patrolling to keep the people in Auckland City safe, and hopefully, it ends up getting traction to go out to the other places as well."
The deputy mayor will wave to the crowds from a vintage car, continuing her annual tradition of participating in the parade.
"Every year, the Farmers Santa Parade brings the centre of Auckland to life, filling our city with joy, wonder, and community spirit. It's a time for families, friends and whānau to come together and welcome the magic of the season," Desley Simpson said.
"This parade is more than an event; it's a beautiful reminder of the unity and vibrancy that define our Auckland community."
Farmers founder Robert Laidlaw introduced the philosophy in 1933: a gift of fantasy and fanfare for the children of Auckland.
At the heart of the parade, Santa remains the star.
Queen Street has evolved over the years from a four-lane road with narrow footpaths to a two-lane, plant-filled street.
After the parade, Bluey and Bingo will host a live interactive experience at Santa's Party, wrapping up the parade with excitement.
The parade will open with gold medalist high jumper Hamish Kerr, who represented New Zealand at the 2024 Olympics. This year's official grand marshal, Kerr will lead the procession of festive floats.
The Santa Parade receives funding from the Auckland Council and a city centre targeted rate.
Key events:
- Pre-parade entertainment from noon to 1pm;
- The parade from 1pm to 2.30pm;
- Santa's Party in Aotea Square from 2.30pm to 5pm.
For more information about the 2024 parade and transport options, visit AT.govt.nz.
LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.