Father Christmas left his sleigh and reindeer behind and hitched a ride on a fire engine when he visited Wanganui Racecourse yesterday.
Along with friends, whanau and community supporters, Santa was there to celebrate the graduation of kohanga reo teachers from throughout the region.
Ruka Broughton, district manager for Aotea, which covers Taranaki and Whanganui, said it was a great celebration with tamariki enjoying fun and games ahead of the award ceremony.
Almost 70 teachers from 30 kohanga reo centres in the region received certificates for one to three years of study.
Marama Mako has completed her Level 1 certificate with Te Ara Tuatahi Mo Te Reo Maori and was celebrating with whanau and friends and the racecourse.
"I have enjoyed the mahi and I think I will carry on next year," she said.
Graduates will be able to work as kaiawhina (helpers) and kaiako (teachers) in kohanga reo and speak conversational te reo Maori with the children, demonstrate appropriate Maori cultural practices and have an understanding of the kaupapa of te kohanga reo.
Mr Broughton said te kohanga reo was about strengthening self-esteem and pride of place (turangawaewae) in tamariki.
He said the day was about combining the celebration of achievement with love of whanau and community.