The Tararua Alliance and Council's roading partner Downer are helping bring Christmas cheer to communities across the district this year, with sponsorship of the four Christmas parades in Eketāhuna, Pahiatua, Woodville and Dannevirke.

Each parade will receive $2,000 in sponsorship, providing a total of $8,000 to support the delivery of these popular community events.

The funding comes from Downer's share of the Alliance's pain-gain fund, which rewards efficiencies and performance achieved in delivering the roading contract. The sponsorship is funded by Downer (and is not funded by rates).

Tararua Alliance Manager Daniel Erard said the sponsorship was an opportunity to give back to the communities the Alliance serves every day: “These parades are a fantastic community tradition and bring people together at a special time of year," he said.

"Many of our team live and work in Tararua, so supporting events like these is one way we can give back and help make our communities great places to live."

Mr Erard said the funding reflected Downer's commitment to creating value for the district beyond maintaining roads and infrastructure. "When we're able to achieve efficiencies in how we deliver our work, it's rewarding to reinvest those benefits back into the community. Supporting local Christmas parades is a practical way we can help ensure these events continue to thrive."

Mayor Scott Gilmore says he is delighted the sponsorship has been directed to the district’s Christmas parades: “These community events are enjoyed by so many, and they wouldn’t happen without our local businesses. It hasn’t been an easy year for a lot of businesses - this support helps to share that load.”

The Alliance team is also planning to join the festivities, with a float expected to feature in each of the district's Christmas parades.