Ponsonby locals reckon those big baublicious branches that illuminate Vic Park at Christmas should stay. Valerie Schuler reports.
Ross Thorby is gearing up for another fantastic silly season on Franklin Rd. The long-time resident and firm supporter of the street's famous Christmas lights bonanza has something very special in stock
this year.
His basement is jam-packed with sparkly fairy lights. Extension cords are ready to go.
But things will be a little different this year. The giant Telecom Christmas tree, which
twinkled away at Victoria Park last Christmas, will be moved to a new spot.
"It's a real shame to lose it,'' says Mr Thorby. "Vic Park is the perfect place for it. It was part and parcel of, and complemented, the lights on Franklin Rd.''
The tree's new home is not yet finalised. Work on the $406 million Victoria Park tunnel -
scheduled to begin early next year - means it cannot use its former location. Telecom and the Auckland City Council are working out a suitable place for the 27m tree, made entirely of twinkling, multicoloured fairy lights.
Mr Thorby is worried that it will end up somewhere in the central business district.
"If that happens, people won't come because they'll have to pay for parking. I really think it should stay somewhere in Ponsonby.
The Franklin Rd lights have become such a tradition and one of the few free things families can do around Christmas,'' he says.
Telecom says the tree will be moved to a "central'' location.
"It is too early to reveal what that home might be and we are working closely with the council to secure the resource consents and permissions we need,'' says sponsorship manager Rebecca Earl. "Once this has been finalised we'll look forward to announcing the Telecom tree's new home.''
The Western Bays Community Board has asked that the tree be moved to Western Park on Ponsonby Rd.
"There are several reasons we've requested that location,'' says community board chairman Bruce Kilmister. "It would carry the celebrations along the main street and have greater visual impact. It would also be a lovely walk between Franklin Rd and Ponsonby Rd.''
The community board is also working with the local business association to illuminate other major sites along Ponsonby Rd to further enhance the Christmas spirit.
The Telecom tree has 37,000 twinkling bulbs that can configure into 16 million colour
combinations. It is accompanied by phone booths linked directly to Santa.
Last year, New Zealand children made more than a million calls to the jolly big guy to tell him their Christmas wishes.
Many families then strolled along Franklin Rd to enjoy the magical twinkling wonderland
created by dedicated locals.
As the tree's location remains uncertain, Mr Thorby is planning his own surprise. "I could tell you, but then I'd have to kill you,'' he jokes.
If you wander up Franklin Rd closer to the Christmas season, his house is the one with the chandeliers in the window. His previous displays have included bubble and snow machines, old-fashioned Santas and angels.
