Anti-Halloween Celebrations Growing in New Zealand
Oct 14th, 2008 by Jeff Westover
The festival of all things dark and monstrous has grown in popularity in New Zealand in the past 20 years, but so have religious reactions against it.
Hundreds of church-driven events aimed at keeping children off the “trick or treat” track will take place on October 31.
But more liberal church leaders say the anti-Halloween brigade is taking things too seriously, and alternative events should not get ratepayer support.
Organisers of church events say Halloween is unsafe for children, encourages them to ask for treats they have not earned and uses horrific images, while alternatives are fun and open to all.
Kevin Gwynn, an elder at Whitby Lakeside Baptist Church, said his church’s “Party by the Lake”, which receives $2500 from Porirua City Council, attracted thousands of people every year.
“While we do have a philosophical objection to Halloween, that’s just an excuse to have the event.”
Hutt City Council has made grants of between $300 and $1000 to churches running celebrations over the past two years, including Knox Presbyterian Church whose “Saints and Angels” party organiser Kate Dominikovich said she was expecting about 600 children this year.
“When kids are dressed like saints and angels, they act like saints and angels … when they’re dressed like ghouls, they act like ghouls.”
But Auckland Anglican archdeacon Glynn Cardy said he thought Halloween was just a bit of fun.
“I don’t believe in the whole goodies and baddies and goblins universe. They’re probably taking it a bit literally.”
Anglican associate priest Clay Nelson said: “While I don’t object to their right to put on these events, I think it’s categorically wrong for government to support them.”
A Hutt City Council spokesman said the council was open to supporting any community group.
Wendy Reid, of Light Party, which specialises in alternatives to Halloween, said council funding was appropriate because such events were about community outreach.
“Trick or treat is not something that builds a community, but it can potentially tear down a community