More than 30 Christmas parades, markets and festivals are planned across Auckland this year, from Waiheke Island to Helensville and Pukekohe, but organisers say funding is getting harder to find, 1News reports, carrying a Local Democracy Reporting story. The events receive support from Auckland Council local boards, though most of their money comes from local businesses and donations.
Organisers of the Howick Santa Parade, set for 13 December, said they were working with a smaller budget and fewer volunteers, and had dropped some extra attractions, as businesses under financial strain give less. The Onehunga Business Association, whose parade next week opens the region's festive season, said it almost cancelled last year's event for lack of funds and ran it almost entirely with volunteers.
Source: 1News