Christmas presence

Auckland Council may reinstate ratepayer funding today for the annual Farmers Santa Parade along Queen St.

Last November, the council body Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development (Ateed) withdrew funding for the parade from this year.

At the time an Ateed spokesman said it no longer fitted a new 2018-2025 major events strategy — designed to grow tourism and the local economy in a sustainable way.

“[The parade] is not a big driver of domestic tourism into Auckland,” the spokesman said.

He said it was unlike other events — such as the Diwali and Chinese Lantern Festivals — which have activities that run over a week.

After Ateed pulled funding, Gull and The Warehouse confirmed they would pitch in to keep the Farmers Santa Parade around.

In light of Ateed’s decision, the council’s community development and safety committee will tomorrow receive a verbal update from officers on options for financially supporting the much-loved event, which attracts thousands of families each year.

Auckland Children’s Christmas Parade Trust chairman Michael Barnett expressed frustration at Ateed’s decision, but said most ratepayers would continue to support the 85-year-old event.

Ateed had provided $45,000 to the parade, he l ($93,000 last year), Auckland Lantern Festival ($250,000 last year) and Pasifika ($350,000 last year),” Barnett said.