Kaitāia Christmas Parade saved as sponsor steps in after funding shortfall

Organisers of a volunteer-run Christmas event in Kaitāia are breathing a sigh of relief after a last-minute rescue ensured the celebrations can go ahead.

They had announced this week that the Christmas Parade and the Christmas in the Sky event would be cancelled after major funding fell through.

A Givealittle page was launched in the hope of raising $25,000 to keep it alive. That page has now been closed after Pak’nSave owner Doug Cochrane stepped in to save the event.

Event organiser Naomi , said she had reached a low point earlier this week and said she felt she had let the community down. She said that has now changed after Cochrane made contact with them, asking what was needed to get the event back on its feet.

After receiving a breakdown of the costs, he offered to cover the shortfall.

“It’s massive, it literally saved the event. We can now not only fund the parade but also improve parts of it, like upgrading the sound system so everyone can hear the concert.”

The Christmas Parade will feature floats driving through town and will be combined with the Christmas in the Sky event, which will offer food stalls, kids’ entertainment, free giveaways and a huge fireworks display.

“When he heard that Kaitāia had no Christmas event at all, that’s really what got him. He just really wanted to step in and make sure that doesn’t happen,” said Avumeleki.

“We had a really neat meeting with him, as the committee. He came along and met the committee, introduced himself. And he’s not only offered up the actual money, but he’s also going to talk to his team and see if they want to help volunteer on the day.”

She said that after the meeting she contacted Givealittle, and they have since closed the page and refunded donations.

Avumeleki said the focus was now getting the word out and preparing for what they hope will be an even stronger community turnout.

Cochrane said his business sponsored a lot of events and saw this as an opportunity to do something locally.

“It is a big event for Kaitāia, and we didn’t want to see people not have a Christmas event in the town.

“We are going to help and make sure the event can go on financially secure, then we are going to get actively involved at the event on the day as well.”

Cochrane said it would have been sad not to have the event, and it was a great time for the community to come together.

“I think it’s just great to get everybody together and have an event which is positive, happy and good for Kaitāia, and also good for people visiting. It’s just a moment to sort of step back and have a nice time together as a community. And it really is a community.”

Organisers are expecting thousands of locals and visitors, particularly because the fireworks display will be the first of its kind for Kaitāia.

The event includes a Santa parade on December 13 at 1pm starting from Commerce St. The fireworks and family entertainment will follow at the A&P Showgrounds on South Rd from 4pm to 9pm.