Residents in one east Auckland street have thrown themselves into the Halloween spirit this year, drawing thousands of excited onlookers and bringing traffic to a standstill.
People living in Four Trees in Cockle Bay pulled out all the stops on October 31 for what may have been the largest community-led event in years.
It kicked off at about 4pm and Times photographer Wayne Martin was on hand to capture the action.
Children, teenagers and adults alike were dressed up in costumes including of fictional horror film villains Michael Myers, Jason Voorhees and Freddy Krueger; witches; fairies; spooky nuns; Harry Potter characters; colourful cartoon animals; blood-spattered schoolgirls; evil surgeons and nurses, and more.
Residents’ homes were adorned with skeletons, giant killer clowns, graves and headstones, and a guillotine, with constant screaming emanating around the neighbourhood from frightened and excited children.
One house even had a fake electric chair occupied by a life-size dummy wearing an orange prison jumpsuit.
The number of people turning up to take in the spectacle made it difficult for vehicles to get into and out of the street, but that didn’t damper spirits.
Dozens of locals took to social media to express their enjoyment of the event and to thank its organisers.
“It was absolutely epic, kids loved it!!!,” one person said.
“Incredible amount of effort the residents go to. Kick back and enjoy the festivities!!!”
Among the people who went along is Howick Local Board deputy chairperson Bo Burns, who took her daughter Charlie and a group of her friends.
Burns, who was dressed as a witch for the occasion, says it was a “fabulous event”.
“It was really nice to see so many families out and about and screaming for their lives or laughing and having good family time together.
“It’s an absolutely huge event now and I hadn’t realised how big it had got.
“When I drove home that night I thought there was a funeral going on because I’ve never seen so many cars in my life.”
She’s keen to get her business involved to support next year’s event.
“Apparently one family alone spent $700 on lollies so it would be nice if some local businesses could help them sponsor that.
“Overall it was a wonderful event. I looked pretty scary and hopefully didn’t frighten too many children.
“The kids had a great time and it was lovely to see a self-generated event by locals.
“That’s what the board is looking for, to partner with people to deliver events in the community.
“It was well run and fun for the young ones and adults as well. There were loads of adults dressed up.”
The only change Burns wants to see next year is for people to not park their vehicles on Stevenson Reserve in Cook Street.
“We can work with them and the Four Trees organisers to make sure that happens.”
