Media release; For immediate release
Santa’s Holiday House Proves a Hit After Opening Weekend
A new festive season experience on Auckland’s waterfront has seen over 3,000 people visit and 450 presents donated for
the City Mission in its first weekend.
About to launch into its second weekend, the ASB Santa’s Bach provides a uniquely kiwi twist on the traditional Santa’s grotto concept and is part of the Wynyard Christmas Quarter, a collection of festive themed activities in Silo Park throughout this month.
Already proven hugely popular with kids of all ages ASB Santa’s Bach gives kids the chance to be guided through a series
of themed rooms and interact with the cheeky but well-intentioned elves and with the big man himself. Unlike any mall
experience the ASB Santa’s Bach flips the usual Santa tradition on its head, asking visitors to bring a present which Santa will then give to the Auckland City Mission to distribute to those in need this Christmas. ASB
Santa’s Bach is open from 3pm to 9pm on Thursdays and Fridays and 10am to 5pm on Saturdays and Sundays up until
Christmas Day.
Waterfront Auckland wish to let people know that due to the high volume of visitors to the batch that a wait may be
expected.
The Wynyard Christmas Quarter also includes the 2013 ARTvent Project which offers local artists a chance to display their artwork in a new and exciting way while giving back to the city
this Christmas through sponsorships for the works themselves.
From suspended installations to multiple objects and printed works of art, 12 innovative installations decorate the
steel Gantry in Silo Park and brighten the area during December in the Wynyard Christmas Quarter. The exhibiting artists
had the chance to win a $5,000 cash prize donated by James Wallace Arts Trust which was announced last Friday night at
Silo Cinema. A joint first prize went to Team Illuminate for Tectonic, and Emma Anderton for Room 2. Waterfront Auckland would like to give a big congratulations and thank you to all the Artists and Partners
involved for this beautiful work.
No December would be complete in Wynyard Quarter without the Silo Park Cinema and Silo Markets which return this month.
Wynyard Christmas Quarter is hosted by Council organisation Waterfront Auckland in partnership with ASB on the ASB
Santa’s bach and the support of key sponsors for the movies and ARTvent Project.
Place Manager at Waterfront Auckland Frith Walker says it’s great to see the whole area take on a festive glow with the
countdown to Christmas well and truly on.
“The public spaces of this new part of the waterfront are the perfect backdrop for a Christmas makeover and the piece de
resistance so far has clearly been the ASB Santa’s Bach. The generosity of the Auckland public thus far is extremely
heartening ”
“It really is a magical, theatrical experience that puts a bit of summery magic back into the traditional Santa story.
Having spoken with Santa I know personally how glad he is to be residing in his bach during this time and he’s
especially enjoying the chance to relax in his summer outfit kitted out by kiwi designers World – the best outfit he has
ever had, he says.”
Further details on Wynyard Christmas Quarter are provided below:
ASB Santa's Bach
Unlike the times children have met Santa in a shopping mall, ASB Santa’s Bach embraces the true spirit of Christmas by
asking families to BRING a present for Santa.
Santa will then distribute these presents using the Auckland City Mission - making sure no one goes without this holiday
season.
Auckland City Mission ask that gifts are unwrapped and says that gifts can be for all ages, not only children.
Bach Opening Hours
December 6 – 24
Thursdays; 5pm – 9pm
Fridays; 3pm – 9pm
Sat/Sun; 10am-5pm
NB: Santa is a busy man – there will be times where he’ll have to take off with his elves to do some Christmas errands of
his own. Make sure you visit www.yourwaterfront.co.nz/christmas before you make the special journey down to see Santa.
ARTvent Project
The 2013 ARTvent Project offers local artists a chance to display their artwork in a new and exciting way while giving back to the
city this Christmas.
Silo Cinema and Markets - Christmas Edition
From Friday 6 December, Silo Park markets will be open Thursday and Friday (5pm until late), Saturdays and Sundays
(12-6pm). Serving up an exceptional mix of food stalls, art, vintage clothing, contemporary artists, and experiential
vendors, you will even be able to get your Christmas tree there.
Throughout December, Silo Cinema gets into the Christmas spirit with a line up of old favourites and Christmas crackers.
Movies start at 9pm.
13 December – Nightmare before Christmas
20 December – The Muppet Christmas Carol - Presented by QUIT
Angel Wishes for Auckland City Mission
Throughout December the Angel wishing tree will be in Silo Park for you to tie your wishes onto. By doing so you’re
making a donation to Auckland City Mission and help those less fortunate over the festive season.
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