21.12.2002
By ALAN PERROTT
Miriam Whelan won't be going out much in the build-up to Christmas - she's too busy with visitors.
She's one of the newest residents on Franklin Rd in Freemans Bay, one of a growing number of Auckland streets that seem to
spontaneously break out in Christmas spirit each year.
"This is our first Christmas here," said Mrs Whelan. "It's so the best, we just haven't wanted to go out. We just sit on the stairs
and watch the people and cars parading by."
Many hundreds have wandered up and down the road since Lucy Lawless ceremonially flicked the switch to light the first house
on December 1.
While it appears organised, the celebration has actually grown by word of mouth.
From humble beginnings nine years ago, with just a few homes stringing out the odd light, the display has grown and now
almost the entire street is festooned with flashing bulbs, signs, nativity scenes and, oddly enough, Team New Zealand banners -
Santa seems to be arriving by yacht this year.
There is no shortage of volunteer Santas or of offers from children to serve as elves, while others compete with neighbours over
who has the most impressive display.
The event has attracted its first commercial offshoot: Kylie Green sets out her stall for about two hours each night offering hot
coffee or chocolate to passersby.
"It always surprises me when I meet people who don't know about this," she said. "We've only been in Auckland for a few
years, but we always come for a look."
The 18-year-old said evenings in Franklin Rd were the highlight of her day after working at Viaduct Harbour.
Franklin Rd's chief cheerleader, Ross Thorby, who has the brightest home on the block, said Christmas was all about building
community spirit.
Each year he does the rounds of local businesses to raise enthusiasm before mobilising the troops with a street party.
"Christmas lights are associated with Franklin Rd now, it's part of the culture of the place. They are mentioned on real estate ads
and we even had a house sold where the lights were included in the chattels.
"But the great thing is that nobody is asked for anything, it doesn't cost anything to visit - it's really brought our community
together."
Mr Thorby doesn't see any end in sight for the annual light show, which he said seemed to get more spectacular each year.
The bright lights of Christmas are now shining throughout the city.
As well as various areas in Howick, the power is on long and late in Roberts Rd in Te Atatu South, Matuhi Rise and Rhinevale
Close in Henderson and Waterton Place in Avondale.
