Street closure brings Christmas cheer to the city

For the first time Auckland Council, along with Auckland Transport, will close High Street to cars to support Heart of the City’s Late Night Christmas event on 20 December. The event will bring Christmas fun and entertainment to Auckland’s central city.

As well as late-night shopping, the festival will feature performances throughout the city’s streets and public places including Queen Street, Elliott and Darby Streets, Fort Street, Freyberg Place, Takutai Square, Federal and High Streets.

Mayor Phil Goff said, “Christmas is coming to life in our central city. As part of the Open Streets initiative, we’re turning over our streets to the people of Auckland and creating a real sense of Christmas wonder at this special time of year.

“I’m pleased Auckland Council can play its part by facilitating street closures that will bring people together in the heart of our city and give them a taste of what it’s like to walk our streets, rather than drive,” said Mayor Goff.

Planning Committee Chair, Chris Darby, agrees: “This is a taste of the future to come - the first of many bold and exciting ideas that celebrate the changing face of our city centre.

We’re creating better public spaces, and healthier spaces too. This will be a kiwi Christmas in the city – our streets thriving with people celebrating the summer season and supporting local businesses.”

Mayor Goff said, “I hope Aucklanders and visitors enjoy the festival and are encouraged by the vibrancy and excitement we can bring to our city by using street closures to deliver great events.

“I encourage all Aucklanders to get out and enjoy the festival, and I want to recognise the efforts of Heart of the City to help transform our central city into a vibrant and diverse economic and cultural hub,” Phil Goff said.

ENDS

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