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Auckland’s “creepy” Santa abandoned his sleigh and reindeer in favor of two tinsel-covered trucks for his discreet arrival in Wānaka.
Wānaka National Transport and Toy Museum owner Jason Rhodes paid $ 1 for the 18-meter figure after it was revealed that Christmas 2019 would be the last for the giant and “creepy” Santa in Auckland.
The unofficial nickname was due to the wink of an eye from an earlier version and the calling finger, but it was an unfair label, Rhodes said.
“He is an iconic figure, with a smile on his face. He’s trying to bring happiness to everyone. “
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Debbie Jamieson / Stuff
Jason Rhodes, owner of the National Museum of Transport and Toy in WÄ ?? naka, you paid $ 1 for the 18 meter tall Santa Claus.
Rhodes said that two reindeer and various other parts that make up the 60-year-old festive figure had yet to reach Wānaka, after Santa’s arrival on Monday.
The fiberglass Santa Claus would likely remain in storage, where it would receive a little affection, while Rhodes pondered how and where to mount it.
“Maybe this time next year you’ll see him standing up with a little more smile on him.”
He wasn’t sure if it was possible for Santa to wink or point his finger again, but he would investigate.
Debbie Jamieson Argyle / Stuff
The 18-meter-tall Santa was removed from the delivery trucks in pieces. It will be assembled before Christmas 2021.
The Santa had cost Auckland’s central city business association, Heart of the City, more than $ 200,000 each year to keep it in place that towers over Queen St.
It was important to find Santa a new home for posterity, Rhodes said.
“It’s the story behind it from the people who instigated it, built it and even saved it over the years, because it’s had a bit of a checkered history.
“We wanted to make sure it didn’t end up in a garbage can or anything like that.”
Debbie Jamieson Argyle / Stuff
Santa may be in tatters these days, but he has “ways and means” of making Christmas deliveries.
The Santa was a New Zealand icon, he said.
There had been interest in New Zealand and Australia since it was revealed that the figure would move to Wānaka.
“We’re trying to make sure we can get as much background and history as possible on him,” Rhodes said.
Children need not worry about Santa’s apparent inability to deliver presents this Christmas, he said.
“Santa has his ways and his means.”
Debbie Jamieson / Stuff
Santa is resting and some TLC in Wānaka.
