Mighty Santa returns to city perch with a makeover

Auckland's giant Santa ... naughty or nice? Photo / Dean Purcell

Like him or loathe him, the country's biggest Santa will be back this Christmas in Auckland.

The announcement of the return of the 19m Santa means he will have delighted - or scared - children from aloft for 49 years.

In a survey held by Auckland CBD business group Heart of the City, some said he resembled a creepy old man.

But many more said the decoration - now on the corner of Queen St and Victoria St after years on the old Farmers building - was an Auckland icon, and should stay.

"It confirmed what I always suspected," said Heart of the City chief executive Alex Swney, "that Santa is a valuable and treasured part of Auckland's history.

"Twelve polls all showed strong support for him and we had feedback from London to Invercargill with a three-to-one ratio in favour of his return."

This November, Aucklanders and visitors to the city can look forward to a newly revitalised Father Christmas after his restful winter.

Mr Swney said last year Heart of the City was investigating the cost of an eye-makeover to "stop the eye that used to wink looking quite so gammy".

"People won't be disappointed. It has been a tough winter for everyone and I'm sure we're all ready for some Christmas cheer," Mr Swney said.

"Santa is surely part of that heritage and now he'll be more than ready to keep making his mark on the festive season and welcome every boy and girl into the heart of the city for a real Christmas treat."

Last year, cash shortages had caused concern that the Santa, with his wink and beckoning finger, would no longer grace his perch overlooking the city's main street.

But Heart of the City said it would find the $55,000 needed to bring him back.