Raetihi's Santa Claus this year was a much loved woman who works at the Nancy Winter Childcare Centre.
Aroha Williams, mother-of-two was an energetic Santa who danced, hugged and high-fived all the children at the town's Christmas market and parade last Saturday.
"I really loved it I hope they ask me again next year,'' she laughed.
While she was sitting in Santa's Cave before the parade and the mums and dads came in with their children she of course knew most of them.
So when a child clambered on her knee she greeted them by name.
"A few of them couldn't quite believe it.''
There was a lot of little ones trotting home on Saturday saying "hey Mum Santa knew my name," she said.
Christmas parade and Market Day committee member Lucy Conway said the day was always a big hit.
"I decided this year that a brown woman Santa was perfect because it is so much more in keeping with Raetihi. Aroha was perfect because she knows all the kids and she loves all the kids. I want to choose her again next year.''
Thirty stalls had lined the main street (Seddon St) selling homemade cakes produce, craftwork, plants, vegetables, fruit, clothing and loads of cheerful Christmas decorations.
"It's always a good day in Raetihi. We're just a small town and it's important the everyone has fun and gets on well."
The town was too small for disagreements and people battling against each other, she said. Sadly the much anticipated ride-on-mower race had to be cancelled, she said.
"We had no entries - we'll try again next year.''
And Santa Aroha said she had so much fun dancing, jumping, spinning, hugging and hi-fiving she would love to be the chosen Santa again.
"Santa Mama...that sounds like me.''