Big plans in the making for Kaikohe’s

When Santa comes to Kaikohe this year he won’t be riding anything as ordinary as a sleigh — instead he’s told townsfolk to expect him on nothing less than a horse-drawn chariot.

Santa’s grand entrance is part of plans for a revitalised Christmas celebration in the Mid North town where parades have faltered and gone through a number of different organisers in recent years.

This year, however, health provider Te Hau Ora o Ngāpuhi, in conjunction with Kaikohe Business Association, is taking over the reins and promising the town’s biggest parade in decades.

Coordinator Jay Hepi said they got involved because it was now one of the biggest employers and service providers in Kaikohe.

“It’s the first time Te Hau Ora o Ngāpuhi has been involved in leading it out. Christmas just doesn’t feel right without a parade so we want to go out there and have a huge, creative, cultural event,” he said.

The December 2 parade, which would be followed by an evening of carols and entertainment, had received “amazing support” from local businesses.

Hepi said he was keen to get all ethnic groups in the Mid North involved — including Indians, Chinese and Koreans — while giving the overall event a bit of “Ngāpuhi flair”.

As of this week, 24 schools, preschools, businesses, gyms and health providers had pledged to enter a parade float.

Prizes would be awarded for best float, best kids’ costume and best adult costume.

All Te Hau Ora o Ngā puhi’s 120-odd staff would dress up, Hepi said.

The parade theme was whakawhānaungatanga or “families coming together”.

Newly elected Far North Mayor Moko Tepania, a Kaikohe resident, would be on stage along with inspirational speaker Nick Trask.

Kaikohe-raised Trask established Trask Performance, a top producer of Harley Davidson turbo kits in the US.

His daughter, Shanieka Trask of Auckland’s Mai FM, would be the event MC.

The parade would start at the top end of town and make its way down Broadway before reconvening at The Green (the former Kaikohe Hotel site) for Carols on Broadway.

The free, whā nau event would run until 9pm and feature live music by