Santa's on his way to the Far North

The big guy is due in Kerikeri this Saturday on a pre-Christmas reconnaissance mission. While he's here he'll take part in a parade and throw a few lollies around.

It's already that time of year again when the big guy in red begins his rounds of The Far North, starting this Saturday with Kerikeri.

The annual Kerikeri Lions Christmas Parade starts at noon at the Domain, making the usual circuit down Cobham Rd, around the one-way system and via the New World roundabout back to the Domain.

Prizes will be awarded for the best community and business floats.

Santa will be riding a brand-new sleigh built by the lads at Mt Pokaka timber mill, while McDonald's has sponsored free bouncy castles and other kids' activities on the Domain afterwards.

Santa will also be the guest of honour this Saturday at Mangonui School's Christmas in the Park, which promises carnival games, bouncy castles, lots of kai and raffles on the school field between 11am and 3pm.

He'll barely have a chance to feed the reindeer before he's required elsewhere around the Mid North.

He's due to put in an appearance at Paihia Christmas parade at 5.30pm on Friday, December 1, followed by parades at Kaikohe at 10.30am and Kawakawa at noon on Saturday, December 2.

Kaitaia's Christmas carnival is on December 2, starting at 10am and finishing at 1pm. More details on those parades will be in the Age closer to the time.

Meanwhile, Awhi Kaitaia will provide a feast during the carnival on December 2.
The Awhi Kaitaia Fest is free.