Seal goes Christmas shopping

A seal has made itself at home outside the Westfield Centre in Henderson

It's not only shoppers converging on malls in the lead-up to Christmas - in Henderson a seal has made itself quite comfortable just outside the Westfield Centre.

The mammal was spotted near a stream that runs alongside the mall and has been there since yesterday.

Shopper Jax Nichol sent photos of the seal to the Herald and said mall security staff told her they have contacted the council hoping to have the animal moved on.

People were "queuing" to see it. "It's huge. It's just sleeping at the moment. I don't know how it would have got there, surely there are dams and things along the stream?" she said.

"I am concerned that the more people who know it's there, there could be issues for its safety."

The Department of Conservation was notified about the seal, spokesman Nick Hirst said.

He said Westfield managers had sent a security guard to the area where the seal was.

"They've posted a security guard to ensure the seal and the public are kept at a safe distance. We thank the WestCity shopping centre management for ensuring the seal and the public are being kept safe."