It's Christmas time - and what better way to get into the spirit than with a Christmas tree festival?
St John's Golden Church on Kamo Rd have put on a Festival of Christmas Trees, displaying trees that have been decorated by different schools and community groups in Whangarei.
"It's a way to showcase our community groups and bring the community together," said church member and organiser Diane Pennington.
At least 20 trees have been decorated by groups including Whau Valley Primary School, The Papermill, Tikipunga Primary School and the Girls' Brigade.
"They're all beautiful," she said "Most of the groups have made their own decorations and each tree has a different theme. They write a story about their tree too that people can read."
The Festival of Christmas Trees opened last Friday and already had around 200 people have been through. "People have called it magical and said they have been touched by the Christmas spirit, they love reading the stories about the trees."
The church purchased the trees with the help of Kensington retailers, including Primecare and the Kensington Pharmacy. They were also given a discount from The Warehouse. The display is open between 10am-12pm, 1-3pm and 7-10pm until December 20 when a Community Carol Service will be held, at 7.30pm.