Santa ‘all good’ and heading to his grotto

It's official!

Santa is now out of quarantine and on his way to his grotto in Wanaka.

That was the message from Wanaka Community Hub and Upper Clutha Christmas Charitable Trust chairwoman Yeverley McCarthy yesterday, who confirmed Santa had been in isolation, "but we have got him and he is all good."

Ali Jarvis (left) and Yeverley McCarthy prepare Santa's Grotto for his arrival at the Wanaka Community Hub tomorrow. PHOTOS: KERRIE WATERWORTH, GUY WILLIAMS & KAYLA HODGE

For the sixth consecutive year, and only the second time at the community hub, trust volunteers have created a grotto where children can come and meet Santa.

Mrs McCarthy said entry would be by donation "because of the tough year we have had due to Covid-19", and all money raised would go back to the community.

Meanwhile, over in Queenstown contractors had to contend with a few spots of rain as the traditional Christmas tree went up on the Village Green, but in Oamaru they battled harsh weather conditions to make it happen.

The Christmas tree in central Queenstown went up in its usual spot on the Village Green in Athol St yesterday.

Contractors work to bring Oamaru’s Christmas tree to life, in front of the Waitaki District Council building.

The tree, in Thames St, is opposite the council building. A special celebration to light the tree will be held next Tuesday.

Choirs will sing Christmas carols at Jones Park, near the site, before the tree is lit about 9pm.

Waitaki Mayor Gary Kircher said it was a good opportunity to bring everyone together for the festive season after a disruptive year.

"Covid has caused a lot of issues this past eight months. It’s an opportunity to shake off those Covid blues and join together for this special event."

The Waitaki District council also installed a tree in Kurow on Thursday and another will be put up in Palmerston.