Ōtara street sparkles for Christmas: 'Everyone is welcome here'
Auckland's famous Franklin Road Christmas lights have some stiff competition this year, in the form of Cooper Crescent in Ōtara. Throughout the past month, the light display has attracted more than 10,000 people to the small South Auckland street and that is only set to grow. Project manager Terry Nelson said that when the lights first went up in 2017 no one expected it to become this big. "One of our reasons for running it was for the children around here because they can't get to the Karaka lights and the Franklin lights..." What set Cooper Crescent apart from the rest, said Terry, was the community vibe that radiated from every house. Neighbors and residents were selling hearty Pacific and Māori meals, performing music, face paint and even fire dance. Most of the lights were DIY and low budget, but that only made them more awesome, he said. "The neighbours are just making do with whatever lights they have, and they come up with the best designs that anyone can come up with." One local resident even went so far as to make a Bethlehem set, with their children playing the roles of Mary and Joseph.
"It's a really beautiful community and that's what we wanted to show was that like, man, our streets are safe, Ōtara is safe and that everyone is welcome here. "People have a negative stigma about Ōtara, but when you come here and you walk onto the street, you'll feel it. "The street was already well past capacity this year, said Terry, which was exciting, if not a little daunting and hectic. Terry's wife, Swanie, was also a key player in bringing the lights to life. She said the lights went up in the second week of December and would stay on until the first week of January. Terry said one of the best parts of the lights was the theme nights, where people could experience pacific and Māori culture. Swanie said there were also photobooths along the street, many of which were upcycled from household items as part of a waste minimisation scheme.
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Andy Warhole Triple Elvis at Auckland Art Gallery
Something different and worth visiting, See special for Elvis Fans below
Pop to Present: American Art from the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
One of the most iconic artistic tributes to The King is now on display at Auckland Art Gallery
Andy Warhol’s Triple Elvis — a legendary artwork that helped shape Elvis Presley’s image as a global pop culture icon — is a standout highlight of Pop to Present: American Art from Virginia Museum of Fine Arts , a landmark exhibition of American art.
This is a rare, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see a work that celebrates Elvis’s enduring legacy, alongside masterpieces by Jackson Pollock, Roy Lichtenstein, Mark Rothko and more.
✨ Don’t miss your chance to see Elvis through Warhol’s eyes. ✨
Special promotions
Quadruple Elvis Comeback Special: Thursday 8 to Sunday 11 January 2026
In honour of Andy Warhol's Triple Elvis, featured in Pop to Present, we're holding a special promotion to celebrate The King of Rock and Roll's birthday.
Inspired by Warhol's work, the Gallery invites you to become the art and take it from a Triple Elvis to a Quadruple Elvis. From Thursday 8 January to Sunday 11 January, anyone who comes dressed in their best Elvis getup will receive 50% off their entry to Pop to Present. Think: sunglasses, sideburns and slicked hair. Dust off the jumpsuit and leather jacket or even an Elvis Tee Shirt, and join us for a weekend of Pop-inspired fun.
Scam Alert: Fake information regarding December Bonuses from MSD
The Ministry of Social Development is reporting that fake information is circulating about new ‘December bonuses’ or ‘benefit increases’
If you get suspicious communication, please contact Netsafe.
Poll: Do you set New Year’s resolutions?
🎉 2026 is almost here!
We’re curious ... how do you welcome it?
Do you set resolutions, follow special traditions, or just go with the flow?
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10.5% Yes! New Year, New Me
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19.8% Yes - but I rarely stick to them
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69.6% Nah - not for me
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