Despite the cloudy weather, there was a big turnout to the Papamoa Santa Parade on Sunday, with an estimated 15,000 people lining the parade route.

Papamoa Unlimited events manager Kate Percy says 500 people also participated in the parade, divided among 33 floats.

'The crowd numbers are definitely bigger,” she says. 'It's perfect when it's slightly overcast, because it can be really hard on everyone when it's a blistering hot day.”

Floats – which included some on foot – were judged by local councillors Leanne Brown and Steve Morris in four categories: best non-profit, won by Current Church; best business/commercial, won by Barrett Homes; best sport/social club, won by Karate Papamoa; and best education sector float, won by Papamoa Primary School.

The overall best float was awarded to the Blue Cottage, who took home the Papamoa Shield, which has local mascot Papa Moa on the front, and is kept by the winners for a year.

The parade is in its fourth year, and was the first project undertaken by Papamoa Unlimited when the organisation first formed.

'It's a well-supported event – Papamoa really comes to life on that day,” says Kate.

Along with the Papamoa Polar Plunge and Pedal Papamoa, a new event is also planned for the suburb in April of next year.

Called ‘Hunt for Gold', Kate says it will be an ‘epic family adventure race' designed to connect people with the community.

Details are still under wraps at the moment, but it will involve a series of tasks, with a prize related to the event name.

Cheerleaders from Astro Cheer. Photo: Astrid Tyler.