Tallest Christmas tree in NZ in need of repairs

The Grinch has arrived with bad news about the state of Hamilton’s six-storey Christmas tree.

Located at Garden Place from the end of November until New Year each year, the tree has been an integral part of the city’s festivities for over a decade, however, its frame is now more than 15 years old and in desperate need of replacement.

The organisation behind the tree and Christmas Parade, the Hamilton Christmas Charitable Trust, said it would need an estimated $120,000 for a new frame.

“At 27 metres tall to the tip of the star, the Hamilton Christmas tree is over six storeys high and has the claim to fame as New Zealand’s largest Christmas tree,” Hamilton Christmas Charitable Trust spokeswoman Rebecca Aston says. Photo / Ramona Ianculov

The trust confirmed it would work with local fabricators to recreate the frame rather than source a new one from overseas.

“At 27 metres tall to the tip of the star, the Hamilton Christmas tree is over six storeys high and has the claim to fame as New Zealand’s largest Christmas tree,” Hamilton Christmas Charitable Trust spokeswoman Rebecca Aston said.

“For over 15 years [it] has been a highlight of Hamilton’s holiday season, attracting tens of thousands of visitors to Garden Place with its dazzling light shows and festive hub for families to deliver Santa letters.

“As a charitable organisation, the trust relies entirely on sponsorships, grants, donations and fundraising to keep its events free ... We want to ensure that the Hamilton Christmas Tree continues to bring joy and hope to our city for years to come.”

To raise the funds, the trust has set up a Givealittle page.

The money raised will mainly go towards the replacement of the frame, any additional funds raised will be used towards replacing some of the tree branches and upgrading the lighting software.

“Every donation will make a difference. If we don’t reach our fundraising goal, it’s possible there won’t be a Christmas tree next year, but we hope this isn’t the case and that we can commit to working with local fabricators to rebuild the frame, supporting the region’s businesses,” Aston said.

Hamilton Christmas Charitable Trust was established in 2004 to promote the theme of Christmas for the benefit of the people of Hamilton and its surrounding districts through entertainment and enjoyment, with particular emphasis on entertainment for children.

To donate or learn more, visit the Hamilton Christmas Charitable Trust’s Givealittle page.

Meanwhile, elsewhere in the Waikato, Hauraki District Council also received “grinchy” news, when an assessment of a light pole in Waihī showed micro-fractures in the steel, which resulted in all Christmas flags being taken down.