Media release

For immediate release

1 September, 2016

Santa Clause is still coming to town

Recent reports that the Papatoetoe Santa Parade will be cancelled are politically motivated and completely misleading.

In June 2016 the Otara-Papatoetoe Local Board resolved to again fund the Parade indefinitely to the tune of $24,000.00.

Concerns were raised with the Board when it was discovered that the Papatoetoe Santa Parade Society that had been running the Parade had been dissolved. This was looked into by the Board chairman Efeso Collins who referred this information to Council officers.

Ross Robertson deputy Chair of the local board and candidate for the Papatoetoe subdivision says:

“I’m totally committed to seeing this wonderful event fill the hearts of local residents with Christmas cheer and joy. I am confident that the Santa parade will go ahead as planned”

“This is also an issue of accountability. It would have been irresponsible to fund a group that had been de-registered so we made the funding available to other, registered organisations”.

“I’m glad to confirm the interest of both the Hunters Corner and Old Papatoetoe Business Associations in running the event for 2016 and these discussions are ongoing”.

The Labour candidates are excited to confirm their ongoing commitment to outstanding local events and strong advocacy.

http://gazette.govt.nz/notice/id/2015-is2669

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