Santa's nip/tuck

Auckland's favourite Santa returned to Queen St yesterday - but some big changes are being kept under wraps for another week.

The 20m Santa installed each year on the outside of the Whitcoulls store has had four months of cosmetic surgery.

Heart of the City business association chief executive Alex Swney said a poll last year confirmed Aucklanders wanted Santa back. "But we have also taken on board some suggestions and comments from various parties on his appearance."

Some said the 49-year-old decoration with his beckoning finger and misshapen eyes was even a little creepy.

Santa's bandages come off at 2pm next Sunday.