Local Artist Revives Reindeer for Waimate Christmas Parade

The Positive Waimate Christmas Parade welcomed a festive upgrade this year, featuring four restored reindeer alongside Santa’s sleigh. This transformation was the result of a dedicated two-month restoration effort led by local artist Viv Hansen, who worked tirelessly after the damaged reindeer were discovered in a shed, facing disposal.

Last year’s parade included only one reindeer, but the addition of the four restored figures marks a significant enhancement. Mandy Tangney, chairwoman of Positive Waimate, reached out to Hansen in early October, emphasizing the urgency to save the reindeer. “They were rapidly falling apart, with hooves and legs missing, plus an antler,” Hansen explained. She faced the daunting task of bringing them back to life, working long hours to replace limbs and ears while gradually restoring their appearance.

Hansen encountered challenges due to the size of the reindeer, requiring her to lie them on a trestle to access their undersides. She meticulously rebuilt their bodies using clay and filler, applying six large pots of paint to achieve a vibrant finish. Each reindeer was adorned with hand-made harnesses trimmed with bells, adding an authentic touch to the parade’s festive atmosphere. Her husband, Dave, contributed by crafting stands to secure the reindeer for the event.

“It was worth it for the kids,” Hansen noted, highlighting the joy the reindeer brought to the young attendees. The origins of the reindeer remain a mystery, as they were donated anonymously. The treasurer of Positive Waimate, Ina de Paauw-Fontein, expressed that this restoration represents a turning point for the parade. “For years, the Positive Waimate Christmas Parade didn’t have any reindeer in our parade, nor a sleigh. We used special cars, little carriages, and once even a flat-bed truck,” she recalled.

In 2024, the parade borrowed a sleigh, which sparked ambitions to create a permanent one. After acquiring the damaged reindeer, the team enlisted Hansen, recognized for her ability to restore “anything remotely restorable,” and focused on building a sleigh of their own. Local donor Mark Bleeker funded some materials, while the Waimate MenzShed provided construction support, fueled by “loads of muffins.”

Local businesses also stepped in, donating metal railings and carpeting, elevating Santa’s sleigh “from basic to posh,” according to de Paauw-Fontein. Hansen remarked on the overall effort, stating, “It all added up to something magical.”

The restored reindeer and new sleigh promise to enhance the holiday spirit in Waimate, bringing joy to families and solidifying the community’s dedication to celebrating the festive season.