Auckland's Santa Parade secures new sponsorship

Friday, 16 November 2018

Auckland's long-standing Santa Parade has secured a new sponsor after the council's economic development organisation withdrew its funding.

The Auckland Childrens' Christmas Parade Trust had lost its previous $45,000 contribution from Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development, which said the event did not fit the criteria for its Major Events Fund, and that had been signalled for several years.

On Friday, petrol company Gull New Zealand announced it would support the parade for the next two years.

Manager Dave Bodger wouldn't specify a sponsorship figure other than to say the company was picking up the shortfall and 'adding a little bit more to it'. 

READ MORE Funding uncertain for Auckland's $1m Santa Parade

Asked if the parade, which has an almost $1 million budget, was really ever in jeopardy, Bodger said 'well that's how is was reported to us'. 

'We saw it and thought, Father Christmas has got to turn up. It's important that it goes ahead.'

In a joint statement ACPT's Michael Barnett said the trust was 'absolutely floored, hugely thankful and relieved'.

'We can now have an amazing time next Sunday knowing we have secure funding going forward.'

The downtown Santa Parade is an 85-year institution, with long-standing naming-rights sponsorship from retailer Farmers.

Auckland's Mayor Phil Goff had lent his support to the parade, without saying where future council sponsorship would come from.

'I want Council to continue to support the Santa Parade. It is an Auckland institution which tens of thousands of Aucklanders flock to each year,' Goff said in a statement.

'Christmas is a special time of year for all Aucklanders and we should continue to celebrate it in this way.'​