09 December 2010

Santa Turns the Big Five-O

The famous Farmers Santa on Whitcoulls corner celebrates his 50th year as a nostalgic festive icon on Auckland’s CBD sky line.

This festive season, the city’s Father Christmas turns the big ‘five-o’ with a special presentation and birthday banner to mark his big day and the first Christmas of Auckland’s Super City on December 10.

Santa’s humble beginnings at the start of the swinging 60s saw a new Christmas landmark survey most of the city’s buildings from the Farmers building in Hobson Street. Now he is perched amongst them on Whitcoulls corner (Queen Street and Victoria Street).

Santa celebrates his 50th birthday thanks to Heart of the City, and generous support from Whitcoulls.

Heart of the City CEO Alex Swney says Santa’s 50th is a monumental occasion.

“He’s an icon of Auckland city and evokes great memories from people’s childhoods. Many don’t know how old he is and the fact he’s had an uncertain future at times during his lifetime.

“Still, Santa is around today thanks to the community’s perseverance and support from Whitcoulls, , who help bring Santa back year after year. It’s wonderful that everyone works together to bring the Christmas spirit to Auckland’s heart.”

Whitcoulls marketing manager Catherine Collins says, “Santa has been delighting generations of Aucklanders since 1960 and has established himself as a highlight for those who come into town to do their Christmas shopping. It just wouldn’t be Christmas without him - Happy 50th Birthday Santa.”

The History
Auckland’s own Christmas story began in 1960 when Santa was unveiled on the outside of the Farmers building on Hobson Street (now the Heritage Hotel). The 68ft high, two-tonne Father Christmas was a festive season reminder like no other for Aucklanders and an instant success with old and young alike. His beckoning index finger and a winking eye, welcomed shoppers into the Farmers trading store for more than 30 years.

Santa held his position on the corner of Hobson and Wyndham Street until 1990, when the store was sold and he was relocated from the CBD to sit atop another Farmers store at the Manukau Shopping Centre. Santa watched over South Auckland during four Christmases from 1991 - 1995.

In the mid-90s, Santa was rejuvenated by marketing and events consultant, Stephen Hanford. A labour of love, favours called in and months of elbow grease returned Santa to his former glory, and he returned spic and span to Auckland’s CBD and a new home above Whitcoulls corner.

The restored pride and joy of Auckland’s BIG little city , Santa watched over shoppers on New Zealand’s busiest intersection on Queen Street for more than 10 years until a decision was made for a make-over in 2009.

A bout of ‘plastic surgery’ saw the removal of his moving finger and winking eye, a revitalising face-lift that Joan Rivers would be proud of and the addition of some giant reindeer & presents which gave the old fella a new lease on life.

After 50 years, Santa continues to watch over Auckland’s festive shoppers, bringing smiles to kids and grown-ups alike. Queen Street’s Santa has become a nostalgic part of Auckland’s Christmas tradition and something the city would look naked without.

Come and see Santa in the heart of the CBD, on the Whitcoulls building for the whole of December, for more information on the Santa and what’s happening in Auckland city visit: www.biglittlecity.co.nz

ENDS

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