Auckland transforms into city of lights

Karen Kirk and Paul Stevenson's Dannemora house is popular with kids and includes a snow machine.

Readers from around the country have shared pictures of their Christmas lights - which are rivalling Auckland's famous Franklin Rd display, now in its 20th year.

Terralie Hardy said her husband Keith hates putting up the Christmas lights at their Tauranga home on Sapphire Drive each year. But once he's finished, he loves the satisfaction of a job well done.

"It's my little project," said Mrs Hardy, 54, who designs the elaborate light display.

This year, she started the planning process well before the silly season began, and Mr Hardy started putting the lights up in October. The pair, who have two sons and four grandkids, have about five storage boxes full of lights, but Mrs Hardy often buys new ones.

The Hardy house in Tauranga starts its makeover from October.

And not even their cavalier King Charles spaniel is immune to the Christmas fever that has taken over their home. He has a reindeer coat, complete with Christmas lights, and sits at the front of the house every evening, entertaining the local kids.

"I just love doing it for the kids and for my family," Mrs Hardy said. "We're all coming together this Christmas time. They think it's wonderful."

Andrea Kernick, who lives on Uldale Place in Howick, said her road "must be one of the few streets where every house has a Christmas light display".

"Many people come for a look and thank us for putting on a fantastic show," she said. "Some people even say it's better than Franklin Rd. We are not competing with anyone, we just do our own thing and enjoy spending the time decorating our homes in our own unique way."

Karen Kirk and Paul Stevenson's home on Sayes Close, Dannemora, Auckland, gets a Christmas lights makeover every year to raise money for South Auckland Hospice. To date, they've raised more than $4700.

"We have Santa most weekends who gives out lollies to the kids, along with a snow machine that pumps out artificial snow."

Meanwhile, Franklin Rd resident of 15 years, Hamish Keith, said this year's display had to be one of the best ever.

"The street is probably the most complete street we've had for lights, it's been very successful," he said.

The lights were not commercial and he said the council discouraged people from selling things in the street or trying to collect money.

"We really want it to be a place where kids can come with their parents and not be asked for money - where they can just enjoy the lights."