Santa parade returns to Tokoroa

Santa has put South Waikato back on his visiting list this year, with the council confirming the return of the Tokoroa Christmas parade.

The town has not had a parade since 2022, and in September South Waikato district mayor Gary Petley said he was not sure the council could fund it after the government told council's to "get back to basics".

However, the council now says it is able to work alongside local community groups and businesses to ensure a Christmas parade for Tokoroa along with movies screenings, markets, the installation of giant Christmas trees in the district's three main towns, Tokoroa, Tīrau and Putāruru, and Christmas events in the village of Arapuni.

Petley said at a time when all councils are feeling the pinch financially working alongside communities was a positive outcome.

"It's certainly becoming increasingly difficult for councils across the country to find the means to lead events like these," Petley said.

But he said they were important to communities.

"[They are] part of forming a thriving and vibrant community, so we're all pleased with this outcome."

A coalition of groups working together to make the events happen, including the South Waikato Pacific Islands Community Services Trust, Pride in Putāruru, Tīrau Community Church, Tīrau Community Board, The Plaza Theatre, Arapuni Village Community Association, Arapuni Bowling Club and local businesses.

The Event Girl, which is owned and operated by South Waikato District Council elected member Rebekah Garner, have donated services free of charge for the programme.

To date, council has raised $16,000 in sponsorship from local organisations for event operational costs, and made a capital investment of $72,000 which will be used to install permanent steel structures in Tokoroa, Tīrau, and Putāruru.

The steel structures will be used to hold the 10m high trees in the three towns, which have been provided free of charge (including transport) by Manulife Investment Management.

The council said the capital investment is being funded using existing budgets.