Santa, give us a ring

The search is on for Santa's helpers across Auckland. But, as Hayley Hannan discovers, it's harder than you think to find that jolly someone.

It's coming to the time of year when the round, bearded man is in high demand. Santa's busy in his workshop, of course, so his helpers are called in to take kids' wishes at parades and malls across town. But where do you find this special type of man?
Across in West Auckland, Glen Eden village manager Christine Healy is struggling to find someone local who's willing to spread Christmas cheer.
"We want a locally sourced Santa, but no one's come forward," she says. "We're an equal opportunity Santa employer."
For two months, Ms Healy has advertised in the Titirangi Tatler, has tweeted and Facebooked, emailed and advertised in the Glen Eden Business Association news.
"We're looking for a really fit Santa. You have got to be able to cope with the muggy December weather. And you have to be a friendly Santa, and resilient. You need to be able to cope with the jokers and the little kids."
It's the first year Glen Eden village has sought a Santa Claus. The local business association plans to spread a bit of Christmas joy over the two weeks before Christmas with a village Christmas scheme. Saint Nicholas will roam the streets, posing for photographs and noting children's wish lists against a backdrop of 22 Christmas trees.
"It's about getting the feel that Christmas is here and something special is happening."
Pam Glaser, general manager of Farmers Santa Parade through Auckland City, says the search for the perfect Saint Nick can be tiring.
"It's really hard because there are not too many jolly, fat, bearded men around who are just gorgeous. So it's really, really hard. It's quite hard to get that special Santa and when you find him, you hold on to him."
Ms Glaser has worked closely with Santa representatives in her job organising the annual central city Santa parade down Queen St, this year featuring Dane Rumble and Bob the Builder.
"It's something you need to audition and take quite seriously," she says of finding a Santa.
"And it's not just the look. It's whether they get into the role and become the Santa or not."
As well as parades and village appearances, Santa stand-ins are called on for mall greetings citywide. Many are sourced from Westaff, an Australasian recruitment company with more than 100 Santas on its books.
Sian Baker, the Santa coordinator, has been sourcing Santa fill-ins for four years.
"I'm looking for someone who loves the spirit of Christmas and is great with children. It's a hard job because it's a hot time of year; it's not as easy as it looks. We always try to make sure there's a fan on the site."
She says there are all types of Santas on her books, from skinny and clean-shaven to the more well-fed, bearded types. Each Saint Nick is rigorously trained in a two-day Santa school, and all use the agency's supplied suits and beards.
So you better not pout and you better not cry, because Santa Claus is coming to town.
Stand in
Glen Eden Village is looking for a Santa for the two weeks leading up to Christmas. If you're bursting with Christmas cheer and free to work from December 14 from 10am-2pm daily, email: christine@healy.co.nz. The position is paid.