Auckland's iconic 'creepy' Santa in pieces in Wanaka lot until next Christmas
Hi neighbours,
Auckland’s iconic “creepy” Santa, who for decades towered over Queen St’s Christmas shoppers, is currently lying dismembered in a large lot in Wanaka – and will be until next Christmas.
Santa will remain in the lot until he can be patched up and painted ahead of a Christmas reveal this year.
Read more of this story by Troels Sommerville.
www.stuff.co.nz...
What do you think about the plans for Santa's future?
Mr Claus' owner National Transport and Toy Museum curator Jason Rhodes is looking for any information about the history of the Santa figure.
Do you know anything about the red character's past?
Rhodes has asked anyone who might know something about its past to contact the National Transport and Toy Museum.
*Please put NFP if you do not want your comments used by Stuff.
Poll: 🤖 What skills do you think give a CV the ultimate edge in a robot-filled workplace?
The Reserve Bank has shared some pretty blunt advice: there’s no such thing as a “safe” job anymore 🛟😑
Robots are stepping into repetitive roles in factories, plants and warehouses. AI is taking care of the admin tasks that once filled many mid-level office jobs.
We want to know: As the world evolves, what skills do you think give a CV the ultimate edge in a robot-filled workplace?
Want to read more? The Press has you covered!
-
53.5% Human-centred experience and communication
-
14.6% Critical thinking
-
29.3% Resilience and adaptability
-
2.5% Other - I will share below!
Poll: Should complete designs be shared with the public, or should the community help shape the designs from the start?
The Post recently shared an opinion piece on the Harbour Crossing and why a more democratic approach might be needed 🚗🚲👟
While most decisions sit within the political arena, many organisations—like NZTA—manage long-term projects that go beyond party lines. Politics can sometimes disrupt progress, and the next Harbour Crossing is a big decision that will affect all Aucklanders.
We’d love your thoughts: Should near-complete, shovel-ready designs be shared with the public, or should the community have a hand in shaping the designs from the start?
-
81.3% Community feedback and transparency is needed.
-
18.7% No. This would be impossible in practice.
Have you got New Zealand's best shed? Show us and win!
Once again, Resene and NZ Gardener are on the hunt for New Zealand’s best shed! Send in the photos and the stories behind your man caves, she sheds, clever upcycled spaces, potty potting sheds and colourful chicken coops. The Resene Shed of the Year 2026 winner receives $1000 Resene ColorShop voucher, a $908 large Vegepod Starter Pack and a one-year subscription to NZ Gardener. To enter, tell us in writing (no more than 500 words) why your garden shed is New Zealand’s best, and send up to five high-quality photos by email to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz. Entries close February 23, 2026.
Loading…