Christmas party time - for some

TVNZ staff were moaning that there were no free or subsidised drinks at their Christmas party. Photo / Thinkstock

Even in the middle of an economic crisis, some of New Zealand's largest corporates have found a way to thank their staff at Christmas.

Telecom held its Christmas party at Mt Smart Stadium yesterday with a family-focused event for thousands of employees. Pop stars Zed were hired, plus clowns and bouncy castles.

About 1500 people attended the Vodafone Christmas party last month at the Viaduct's Events Centre.

Kiwi rockers Midnight Youth provided entertainment.

At the Auckland Council, teams organised their own small get-togethers.

Spokesman Glyn Walters said departments were allowed $25 a head for food - but alcohol was not provided.

At TVNZ, staff were moaning because a party at the Auckland offices on Friday night was on a strict budget with no free - or even subsidised - drinks.