A talent agency is struggling to recruit a team of Santa's helpers to hit the malls this festive season, creating the conditions for a potential Christmas crisis.
The annual Santa School is underway at a secret location in Christchurch. Around 100 Santas are needed for shopping mall photos nationwide, but currently, they're about 50 short.
Scene to Believe graduation account manager Jim Bennett said they were looking for Santas now although it's only July.
"There's never enough Santas, and it's the most jolly job on the planet."
He said they go through everything in the programme.
"How to put the suit on, how to be jolly, how to get into character – we have to get that right."
Around 100 Santas are needed for shopping mall photos nationwide, but currently, the talent agency is about 50 short. (Source: 1News)
Bennett said they were looking for someone with the "Christmas spirit".
"A gentleman that can laugh and be happy mixing with the kiddies, that's what we like."
Santa's helper John Sneesvy said it was lots of fun being able to talk to the children.
"Even the older folks come along and talk to you, sit on your knee, and have their photo taken."
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