Bill Lind has been appointed as Bluff's new town crier. Photo: Supplied / Monica Toretto Photography
Santa Claus will soon be ringing a new bell as Bluff's next town crier.
The Southland town launched a nationwide search to fill the role earlier this year after former town crier Justine Haenni moved away.
The town crier makes public pronouncements, usually ringing a bell for attention before delivering their message to the streets.
Bill Lind, who retired to Bluff with his wife Sharron several years ago, has now picked up all the tools of his new trade including official robes, a scroll and the bell.
Born into a family of eight, Lind said he always had a big voice.
"I was the youngest boy, I needed a loud voice. I had to be heard," he said.
Lind was already a familiar face as a member of the Bluff Coastguard and often donned a Santa suit to perform for groups.
"I love Bluff, I've got a boat, I'm an ex-fisherman and I love being able to get out on the water. I've got a big garden here, the town has a great history and you are near the ocean. I love it," he said.
"I applied for the town crier role to give something back to the town and to say thanks for having me."
Originally from Otago, he most recently lived on the Chatham Islands, and bought and renovated a house in Bluff in 2012.
His new bell was a nod to that history.
Local Paul Pasco said he donated the bell after it was taken off a Chatham Islands boat.
"When I saw the little, wee bell one of our former town criers, Ian (Harry) Holland used I donated this one. It is impressive," he said.
Lind has already started making pronouncements, reminding Southlanders to register for an upcoming car boot sale.
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