Auckland's new giant Christmas tree - a bright new chapter for the city this Christmas

Tāmaki Makaurau’s magical Christmas tree set to illuminate the heart of the city from 23 November 

This festive season, Te Komititanga, Auckland's premier public square in lower Queen Street, will host the spectacular debut of a magical new Christmas tree in Tāmaki Makaurau; Te Manaaki. Standing at a majestic 18.4 metres high and decorated with over 10,000 individual led lights, 4,000 vibrant Pōhutukawa flowers and over 200 giant baubles, Te Manaaki marks the start of a new festive tradition for Auckland in quintessentially Kiwi style.

A gift for the city through a partnership between Heart of the City and Precinct Properties, with support from Auckland Council via the city centre targeted rate, Te Manaaki will bring festive magic for all to enjoy transforming Te Komititanga (adjacent to Commercial Bay and the Waitematā Station (Britomart)) into a vibrant festive hub, drawing people into the city centre and creating a welcoming focal point for celebration and connection.

From the 23 November, Te Manaaki will light up the city until 6 January, creating Auckland’s city centre as a must-visit Christmas destination. Passers-by will get glimpses and a sneak peek of the tree as it starts to grow in Te Komititanga, from 17 November ahead of the spectacular ‘lighting up’ celebration event for all ages, with more details to be announced in coming weeks.

Te Manaaki’s arrival will be a highlight of the wider Christmas festivities in the city centre including Smith and Caughey’s windows and Santa’s Enchanted Forest, as well as the return of the “Pav” in a new location in Aotea Square.  Whether catching up with friends, spending time with whānau, or doing some all important Christmas shopping, the city centre will be the place to be this season.

Scott Pritchard and Viv Beck. Photo credit: Babiche Martens

Viv Beck, Chief Executive of Heart of the City, explains:

"Many people have special memories of Christmas in the city centre.  Now is an ideal time to bring a new festive attraction to the heart of our city. We’d love to see it become an enduring Christmas tradition for many years ahead - a place for both locals and visitors to come and create new memories.”

Scott Pritchard, CEO of Precinct Properties, adds:

"Te Manaaki reflects Precinct’s commitment to supporting the revitalisation of Auckland’s city centre. As the owners of Commercial Bay, we’re passionate about activations and events that contribute to a vibrant city centre, and encouraging Aucklanders and visitors to rediscover what makes the city special. Te Manaaki is a great example of that and we’re incredibly proud to be involved.”

The name Te Manaaki was generously gifted by Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, with ‘manaaki’ meaning ‘respect, care and hospitality. The name reflects the values that make Auckland special — support for each other, the celebration of culture, and a commitment to community. The base of the tree, designed by Merania Kerehoma of Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei,  draws from traditional Māori mahi toi (art) to honour the heritage and culture of Tāmaki Makaurau, celebrating both where we’ve come from and where we’re headed as a community.

Constructed to be durable with long-lasting materials, including a steel frame and stainless-steel baubles, Te Manaaki is built to be a permanent fixture of Auckland’s festive season for many years to come. Sustainability was at the heart of the design, ensuring the tree not only brings joy today but continues to create enduring memories for future generations.

Celebrate in the city centre this Christmas—come experience the magic of Te Manaaki and be part of a tradition that will shine bright in Auckland for years to come. Further details of the spectacular inaugural illumination event will be announced on 15 November, with more information available here.

-ENDS - 

Notes to Editors
• Te Manaaki stands just over 18.4 metres (or nearly 5 stories) tall with a 2-metre base, 15 metre steel frame and a 1.4-metre star topper. It features over 4,000 Pōhutukawa flowers and 200+ stainless-steel baubles.
• Light show runs every evening from 23 November until 5 January.
• The cost of the tree is $1.24 million, with operating costs that will continue for the life of the tree, dedicated to revitalising Auckland's city centre and creating a vibrancy and a sense of occasion for residents, businesses, students and both local and international visitors during the holiday season. The tree was brought to life through a partnership between Heart of the City and Precinct Properties, proudly supported by Auckland Council via the city centre targeted rate

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