Better known as Poppa, Mr Ockwell has been creating floats in the Dunedin Santa Parade for the past 25 years.
The Dunedin local believes building floats for the community to enjoy and bringing joy to children and families is his life purpose.
Poppa, who will soon be 90 years old, said the Christmas parade gave him purpose.
"It keeps me young. People are surprised by how silly and young I still act at this age," he said.
"Being involved in making the floats is special and filling the place with joy, love and friendship is what it’s all about — it should be what life is all about," he said.
Over the years, Mr Ockwell has had 14 floats in the parade at one time and is the mastermind behind all his creations.
Past floats built by Mr Ockwell include Thomas the Tank Engine trains, helicopters and superhero vehicles.
Materials for floats made by Poppa are given by businesses across Dunedin, which he repays with pikelets.
Mr Ockwell’s daughter, Wendy-Anne Jarvis, said being involved in the Santa Parade was something he loved.
"It takes passionate people to pull off something like this and this is his absolute passion.
"Months go into preparation for the event and he is truly the mastermind for the operation," she said.
Each year, floats are centred around the interests of children at Rainbow Preschool, what is popular and what he can handle.
Floats from previous years are repurposed and given new life,
During the procession, Mr Ockwell will be seen alongside children and families of Rainbow Preschool showcasing five of his own floats.
The Dunedin Santa Parade is the largest free community event in Otago and runs from 3pm this Sunday.
