ONERAHI SANTA PARADE DELAYED 47 MINUTES BY UNAUTHORISED GOAT

The annual Onerahi Christmas parade was delayed by approximately 47 minutes on Saturday afternoon after a member of the public arrived at the assembly point with a goat he described as 'for atmosphere'.

The goat, a brown and white nanny named Beverley, was not on the registered float list. Parade marshal Lynette Corbett, who had been holding a clipboard since 11am, said the situation was 'not ideal'. 'We've got a fire truck, we've got the Scouts, we've got the Lions club float with the trailer. We did not have a goat. The form does not have a box for goat.'

The goat's owner, Marlon Whetu of Onerahi, told this reporter he had assumed a Christmas parade would benefit from livestock. 'Nativity, ay. Goats were there. I read it somewhere.' Asked whether he had registered Beverley, Mr Whetu said he had not been aware registration was a requirement, and added that Beverley was 'very chill, won't be a worry'. Beverley then ate part of the clipboard.

The delay compounded when the Onerahi Volunteer Fire Brigade truck, parked behind the goat, was unable to proceed on account of Beverley sitting down. A St John volunteer offered a muesli bar. This did not assist. A police presence was requested and subsequently attended, in an advisory capacity only.

A spokesperson for the organising committee confirmed the parade eventually proceeded with Beverley inserted between the Brownies and a ute towing a decorated tinnie. 'We've added a livestock clause to next year's form,' the spokesperson said. 'And a clipboard clause.'

Beverley received the loudest applause of any entrant along Church Street, a fact the committee has been asked not to dwell on.