Dunedin Midwinter Carnival stilt walkers (from left) Jakira Brophy, of Sydney, Bruno Willis and Mary Locker, both of Dunedin, rehearse yesterday. Photo: Peter McIntosh
In Dunedin yesterday, stiltwalkers Jakira Brophy (13), Bruno Willis (19) and Mary Locker (16) donned the costumes they will wear in the carnival procession - a kaka beak, a moa, and New Zealand flax respectively.
Mr Willis said the moa costume with its long neck was ''wonderful'' to wear. He was confident he could navigate the gangly bird around the Octagon, even with a large Haast eagle in hot pursuit.
Lantern artist Filipa ''Fairy'' Crofskey said the preparations for the festival were on track. The carnival team was ''excited'' by the theme this year - ''nocturnal nature''.
''We are making some cool costumes and lanterns.''
