Whanganui tree climber Eddie White will compete in the New Zealand Arboricultural Association Speed Tree Climbing Pairs Championship at the 2026 NZ Rural Games in Palmerston North on March 16.
Whanganui tree climber Eddie White will compete in the New Zealand Arboricultural Association Speed Tree Climbing Pairs Championship at the 2026 NZ Rural Games in Palmerston North on March 16.
After a late introduction into the world of arboriculture, Whanganui’s Eddie White is now hooked on tree-climbing competitions.
White, 41, is the principal owner and operator of Whanganui-based Monkey Business Tree Care, which provides services across the region.
White has been in the arborist environment for more than a decade,but began his journey later than most at the age of 30.
He said he got into arboriculture after spending several years in Britain and Poland, where he saw many people doing it.
“I was looking for a new direction and to find something – I thought it would be cool, so when I got home I had a crack at it,” White said.
“It takes you a few times to get your head around the way it works,” he said.
For the past five years, he has been a consistent force in the Wellington regional competitions.
After finishing second for several years, he won for the first time in 2025.
White said he enjoyed the sport because it was challenging and provided the opportunity to meet great people.
“You are literally just swinging around a tree like you are a big kid. I like challenging myself to be faster and more efficient,” he said.
Eddie White has been competing in tree climbing competitions for nearly nine years.
There are five events at the regional competitions: the work climb, aerial rescue, throwline, high-speed ascent and secured footlock.
White said the high-speed ascent was his strongest event, while the aerial rescue had been the weakest, despite finishing second the last time around.
The aerial rescue requires competitors to safely remove an “injured climber” (dummy) from within the canopy of a tree and down to the ground, where first aid can be given.
Tree climbers train by setting up similar events in nearby trees and working on their communication skills for the aerial rescue event.
“There are a few trees around [Whanganui] where you might see little yellow or orange hazard tape on branches, and they’ll be the trees that are set up for trainings,” he said.
White will compete at the New Zealand Arboricultural Association Inc (NZ Arb) Tree Climbing Competition in Wellington on February 28 before taking on the Speed Tree Climbing Pairs Championship at the 2026 NZ Rural Games in Palmerston North on March 16.
He’s nursing a back injury at the moment, but says that should have improved in time for the events.
“I’m feeling a lot better than I have been; I’m going to start doing a bit more training when I get better,” White said.
“I’m hoping to make nationals again, that would be good for me, I always try and better myself personally in events.”
He wanted to score well in the aerial rescue, in particular.
For the Pairs Championship, competitors do only the high-speed ascent and the work climb.
