With the festive season on us, two seasonal events were worthy of photographing. The Great New Zealand Santa Run is a nationwide event held in support for KidsCan. Over 850 people dressed in Santa costumes turned out at Auckland’s Viaduct Harbour to take part in the run. Meanwhile in Franklin Road the annual Christmas lights have been turned on. The Auckland street is renowned for its spectacular displays and attracts thousands of visitors each year. Almost all of the homes in Franklin Road are lit up. Most lights come on at dusk and are turned off around 11pm and musicians and choirs sing carols along the street. Local chandelier restorer Ross Thorby was the first to decorate his home and is now the coordinator for the Christmas Lights.

An early start for me this morning to photograph The Mayor of Auckland, Len Brown, as he announced that the world-wide smash hit production of JERSEY BOYS – The Story of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons will open at The Civic in Auckland in April 2012. Len Brown said that Jersey Boys is world-class and the biggest musical to visit Auckland for some time.

JERSEY BOYS – The Story of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons is the story of how four blue collar boys from the wrong side of the tracks became one of the biggest American pop sensations of all time.  Frankie Valli, Bob Gaudio, Tommy DeVito and Nick Massi joined forces to become The Four Seasons, writing their own hits and developing their unique sound to sell over 175 million records before they were 30!

The show’s producer, Rodney Rigby said “Auckland will join the world’s leading cities to host JERSEY BOYS.” More info about the show at www.JerseyBoysNZ.co.nz