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Christchurch’s largest Christmas light show will continue “for many years to come,” despite the death of its founder.
Carl and Maureen Seaward’s spectacular interactive show at their property on Shands Rd in Prebbleton has drawn visitors from all over the South Island for the past 13 years.
Maureen Seaward, known as Chook, died last month of motor neuron disease, aged 56, after being diagnosed about eight years ago.
Carl Seaward said he had no intention of stopping. It opened as usual late last month and said the show was busier than ever.
“It’s obviously very different without her here, but she would have wanted the show to go on,” he said.
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The couple had a habit of relaxing at the end of each show and sharing the night’s “magical moments,” Seaward said.
Stacy Squires / Stuff
The Shands Rd Christmas light show continued this year despite the death of founder Maureen Seaward.
“We no longer have that intimate moment. People miss seeing her there, but she will always be a part of it. “
Seaward, a skilled handyman, has modified many of the decorations with windshield wipers and old wheelchair motors. He has programmed them to tune to the classic rock anthems of some of the couple’s favorite bands, including AC / DC, Metallica and Pink Floyd.
Construction completed this year about a week before his wife died.
John Kirk-Anderson / Stuff
Carl Seaward said he has received “so many flowers and good wishes” since the death of his wife last month.
“I set everything up exactly how she wanted it, and we had a special time together, alone.”
The nickname Chook was given to Maureen by her husband when they first met. At first he did not remember his name, but he knew he loved chickens.
Seaward referred to her as Chook for three months before a friend finally called her Maureen and the ball dropped.
Stacy Squires / Stuff
Carl Seaward is the mastermind behind the complex synchronized display of the Shands Rd light show.
“I carried a pen in my pocket for three months and wrote Maureen on my hand so I never forget it again … but the nickname stuck with me.”
About $ 40,000 is spent each year to decorate the Shands Rd section with colored lights, while the rest is adorned with Santas of all shapes, sizes, and varieties, inflatable decorations, a Snoopy on the roof, and a place dedicated to Halloween.
Seaward wraps up the show on December 30 of each year, has a day off, and then continues renovating, scheduling, and building on January 1 for the following Christmas.
Stacy Squires / Stuff
Seaward says he will continue the light show “for many years” in honor of his late wife.
“My whole life revolves around this show, and also Maureen’s in her later years.”
A memorial area for Maureen Seaward will be added to the section that houses her collection of Christmas bears, which began collecting decorations for the couple 33 years ago.
“Chook was an incredible lady. She taught me to love life and to remember that the sun always shines, no matter how dark the clouds are in front of it, ”said Carl Seaward.
Stacy Squires / Stuff
Thousands of people from all over the South Island flock to see the show each year.
The off-property speed limit is lowered and portable toilets are brought in each November and December to manage the 45,000 punters who travel from across the country each year to view the festive display.
An information stand with a donation box dedicated to the Motor Neurone Disease Foundation was also present at the fair.
Seaward encouraged people to find out more about the disease and make a donation if they could.
