Te Manaaki set to illuminate city centre on Saturday 23rd November
Join the festive fun as Auckland’s new Christmas tradition kicks off with an inaugural tree-lighting event, featuring free family-friendly entertainment from Anika Moa, Tami Neilson and the Auckland Youth Choir.
AUCKLAND, FRIDAY 15 NOVEMBER 2024 – This holiday season, Auckland is set to shine brighter than ever before with the official debut of Te Manaaki— Auckland's giant Christmas tree—ready to illuminate Te Komititanga in lower Queen Street. A special gift for the city from Heart of the City and Precinct Properties, with support from Auckland Council via the city centre targeted rate, Te Manaaki is here to make the festive season unforgettable. Whether young or young at heart, everyone is invited to come together, celebrate and enjoy the magic that only Christmas can bring.
Te Komititanga, Auckland's premier public square in lower Queen Street, will be transformed with a magical festive display. On Saturday, 23rd November, all are invited to be a part of the very first lighting of Te Manaaki, an 18.4-metre Christmas tree adorned with over 10,000 sparkling LED lights, 4,000 vibrant Pōhutukawa flowers, and more than 200 giant baubles. Te Manaaki will light up Auckland, inviting friends, families, and neighbours to gather in the heart of the city.
The free festive event kicks off on Saturday 23rd November at 7:00 pm with an exciting lineup featuring Anika Moa, Tami Neilson, and an octet from the Auckland Youth Choir—each bringing their own special touch to the evening. Families, friends and whānau are encouraged to get in early to experience the entertainment and enjoy an evening out in the city. There will be plenty of great vantage points to view the tree and be part of the event, within Te Komititanga square and Commercial Bay. With a number of public transport options, and affordable parking nearby access to the city centre is convenient and easy. The evening’s host Anika Moa will charm and entertain the crowd while Tami Neilson’s powerful vocals will captivate everyone in the square. The Auckland Youth Choir will add to the festive spirit with timeless carols that people know and love, with Christmas characters bringing extra joy and fun for all.
Anika Moa says, "I am looking forward to sharing this beautiful kaupapa with my tamariki. What a way to bring people together to celebrate such a wonderful thing. This is the start of a new tradition in Tāmaki Makaurau of celebrating Christmas, whānau and a city bought together with Aroha. It is so needed right now.”
Tami Neilson says, "I’m a bit of a Christmas nut, so am very excited to celebrate kicking off the season with my family at the tree lighting!”
This free event is a chance for Aucklanders to come together, celebrate, and make new memories in the heart of the city. The night leads to the big moment: at sundown, Te Manaaki bursts into light for the first time. Against the twilight sky, this stunning tree will officially welcome the festive season to Auckland.
Viv Beck, Chief Executive of Heart of the City, shared, “Turning on the lights of our magical new Christmas Tree for the first time will mark a special moment for the heart of our city. We’re excited to welcome locals and visitors to come here and form new memories and enjoy our Christmas festivities.”
Scott Pritchard, CEO of Precinct Properties, added, “We want Aucklanders to come in, enjoy the lights, and feel a real connection to this place. It’s about simple, genuine moments— enjoying the atmosphere, and making the city feel alive again. We’re proud to be part of this and to help create a space where everyone can come together.”
The celebrations don’t stop with Saturday night, providing the perfect excuse for a city centre staycation and a weekend of festivities for visitors. On Sunday 24th November, the beloved Farmers Santa Parade will wind its way through Auckland’s streets for the 91st time, spreading joy and wonder to everyone it passes. Families can also enjoy Smith & Caughey’s beautiful Christmas window displays. There’s also a heap of festive activities planned throughout the month – including Commercial Bay’s Magic Mail Machine, Christmas on Queen Street with pop up performances and more, ‘the Pav’ and Light Forest in Aotea Square, an artisan Christmas market in Wynyard Quarter and even Christmas sailing with Mrs Clause at the Maritime Museum.
Don’t miss the chance to be part of Auckland’s newest Christmas tradition. Bring family and friends, enjoy the performances, and experience the magic of Te Manaaki lighting up the city. Whether you’re here for the music, the lights, or simply the festive spirit, it’s a night to celebrate together and be part of what makes the festive season in our city so special.
Key event details:
• What: Te Manaaki Lighting Event at Te Komititanga
• When: Saturday, 23rd November, starting at 7:00 pm
• Where: Te Komititanga, Auckland's premier public square in lower Queen Street
• Who: Featuring Tami Neilson, Anika Moa, and the Auckland Youth Choir
• Cost: Free for all attendees
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