Hamilton taxi driver gets help with fine

A Hamilton taxi driver lumped with a $50 fine for dressing up as Santa will have it paid by a trucking firm after employees held a whip-round.

Musician Jodi Vaughan, who has a day job working for Mainfreight Transport, said people wanted to help Owen "Butch" Sutton after hearing he was fined by Hamilton Taxis for wearing a Santa hat while driving passengers.

She said colleagues were keen to contribute because "people love the underdog and it's Christmas".

"It only took about a few of us and we were over $50.

"It's not about the money and it's not about him being wronged. The only thing he wants to do is bring a bit of cheer and a smile to someone's face."

Mr Sutton said he was "flabbergasted" by the support.

"It's Christmas, that's all I can say."

- nzpa