Mall reinstates sensory Santa slots after axing draws complaints

Parents of neurodiverse children with sensory and disability issues were gutted after a Wellington mall decided to axe its sensory Santa sessions with no explanation.

But after listening to “feedback from various members of the Queensgate community” the mall has reversed its decision.

Queensgate Shopping Centre in Lower Hutt had been running sensory Santa slots for a number of years, which attracted families with children who struggle with long lines, loud music, bright lights, or suffer from conditions or disabilities that make large crowded malls impossible to navigate.

The sessions were previously available via a booking system and held from 8am before the malls opened where a space with limited lighting, no music, and no lines was provided for children to spend time with Santa.

However, this week parents of neurodiverse children stumbled across a message from the mall stating they would no longer be hosting these sessions.

In a message on Facebook,

Queensgate wrote: “Unfortunately we will not be holding sessions for Sensory Santa this year.”

In a statement to the Herald, the mall later said: “For years, these sessions have been a heartfelt initiative to create a festive and inclusive atmosphere for families. Initially, due to a decrease in attendance last year, we made the decision not to run Sensory Santa this year. However, upon listening to the feedback from various members of the Queensgate community, we’re delighted to reinstate Sensory Santa this year.”

Annette Campbell-Orpin, who has a child with autism, told the Herald learning of the initial axing of the sensory Santa was a kick in the guts for parents who struggle to provide the same Christmas mall experiences that regular children get to take part in every year.

“Its discontinuation wasn’t well advertised so I’d hate for people with neurodiverse kids to show up and not be able to experience Santa.

“It gives a sense of normality. It means that our kids aren’t missing out on things that their neurotypical peers just get naturally. Even some autistic adults really love Santa and they get to go along too. And there’s not that judgment of ‘oh, you’re an adult’.”

Campbell-Orpin’s sentiments were shared throughout the Lower Hutt community, with a number of locals voicing their disappointment.

Mel Staples, whose 8-year-old son Harrison is autistic, was a regular at the sensory Santa sittings over the past three years.

She explained she tried to take him to meet Santa without the sensory sittings but it was a “nightmare”.

“They struggle with waiting in line, they struggle with loud noises, they struggle with the chaos that’s going on around them,” she said.

In contrast, she called the sensory Santa sessions “amazing” and a happy experience for kids, describing the staff as brilliant, attentive and welcoming.

“Having that sensory Santa session before the mall opened was amazing. It was manageable. It was a calm environment, the staff were always patient and happy.

“They would take time to get to know your child and work around their needs. It made them feel wanted and works so much better.”