This might seem like an odd thing for me to post, because from what I’ve seen, it’s one of the most photographed “icons” in Auckland City.

It’s a bit of an outrage that we’ve been subjected to the new Santa Claus head. To those that aren’t aware, the tradition of having the giant Father Christmas standing on the corner began decades ago at the old Farmer Department Store on Hobson Street, which is now the Farmers Heritage Hotel (called so to differentiate it from the Heritage Towers.) After the department store closed down and the building was converted into apartments, we were without the usual Santa Claus that used to stand on the corner.

This was fine with a lot of people, since his slow wink and beckon weren’t the most attractive additions to the landscape, but you know, it was what it was. It was something that I, and many others like me, grew up with. A trip to the big city at Christmas time would always include a visit to Farmers, its children’s play area with Santa’s cave, dizzying neverending tricycle rodeo on the top floor, and the giant, squinty eyed Santa.

It was all very nice of Whitcoulls to resurrect the statue so we could have it again, and fair enough that he no longer winks or beckons, as the noise of either or both of these things would have been deafening to the residents of the renovated building, but come on, leave the poor guy’s face alone.

Addendum (Karl): This shot was taken a few nights before the face was unveiled. Santas face was covered, I guess, to promote discussion and curiosty. For years people complained it was kind of creepy looking, with that mechanical beckoning finger and one  half blinking eye. I’m glad he’s had a make over…