Scary spider just the start

There's been a massive spider lurking on Leanne Martinovich's front lawn and she couldn't be happier. The Halloween decorations on her Maunu home have attracted rubber-neckers from all over Whangarei.

"I've even had people drive over from Tikipunga to take a look," Ms Martinovich said.

The 4m-wide spider is made from polystyrene and chicken wire covered in weed mat and the legs are plastic pipes. The sloping lawn also features tombstones bearing messages like RIP BE A. FRAID, IZZY DEDD and RIP M.T. TOMB, as well as dozens of smaller plastic spiders all over the lawn and house, nestled in metres of "web" made from cotton wool.

Ms Martinovich, who has recently moved from Auckland, said Whangarei was generally conservative and she was happy to do something a little different.

"It's for the kids. The kids love it," she said.

Air New Zealand's Grabaseat cheap airfares promotion also got spooky yesterday, with the carrier advertising flights to Crytaia (Kaitaia), ScaryScary (Kerikeri) and Fangarei (Whangarei).

What do you think about celebrating Halloween in New Zealand? An irrelevant custom, or just a bit of a fun? Email editor@northernadvocate.co.nz or text NAD followed by your message to 021 241 4568.