Telecom Tree to light up Wellington waterfront this Christmas
Wellingtonians will have a special place to leave their wish for Santa this year with the arrival of a 7-storey high
Christmas Tree made from lights on Wellington’s waterfront.
Inspired by Wellingtonian Joe Bleakley, the 26 metre-high Telecom Tree is made up of 37,000 lights, which provide 16
million possible colour combinations. A space underneath, which holds 200 people, provides an enchanting view of the
light show.
Telecom’s decision to commission a “travelling” tree, to be based in Frank Kitts Park from December 1, follows the
overwhelming success of the first Telecom Tree in Auckland’s Victoria Park, which was visited by more than 80,000 people
in the lead-up to Christmas last year.
Telecom Retail CEO Alan Gourdie says the Telecom Tree will add a touch of magic to downtown Wellington.
“Wellington is renowned for embracing events in the City; we are very excited to be introducing the Telecom Tree to the
calendar. Our thanks to the Wellington City Council for their support in helping us secure such a wonderful space for
the Tree in Frank Kitts Park. It will be a magical destination for families to share a unique Christmas experience.”
says Alan Gourdie.
Mayor Kerry Prendergast says: “Christmas is a magical time of the year and this tree will add a new dimension for
Wellingtonians and visitors alike.
“I can’t wait to see it towering over Frank Kitts Park. As well as adding spectacle to the season, it will bring home
the true meaning of giving at Christmas and encourage us all to help a fantastic cause in Women’s Refuge.
“It will also act as a fantastic navigational landmark for Father Christmas and his reindeer when they are flying over
Wellington on Christmas Eve.”
The dedicated Telecom Santa Line phone boxes at the base of the Telecom Tree allow children to ring the North Pole
direct, with their voices magically activating the lights running from their phone box to the star at the top of the
tree.
Visitors to the Wellington Telecom Tree are invited to bring gifts of toys to leave under the Tree. Womens Refuge will
distribute those gifts to children in their homes around New Zealand in time for Christmas morning.
The original Telecom Tree will this year be located at Western Park on Auckland’s Ponsonby Road. Its opening light show
will take place on Saturday 28 November, with special light shows each day in December. The Auckland Telecom Tree will
also act as a collection point for old mobile phones, which are re-cycled to raise money for Starship hospital.
For those who can’t make it to either of the Telecom Trees, the nationwide Santa Line will still take Christmas
wish-lists direct to Santa. Last year there were 999,672 calls made from right across New Zealand. Hopeful children (and
adults!) will again be able to call Santa to tell him they’ve been good and what they’re hoping for on 0800 222 222. Or
they can submit their request online at www.telecomtree.co.nz.
Visit www.telecomtree.co.nz for more information.
Where: At Frank Kitts Park, Wellington CBD.
When: From 1 December to 26 December with lightshows from 6pm till midnight every day, and extra special events on 1
December and Christmas Eve.
Caption: Wellington’s Telecom Tree will be the same as the Telecom Tree which lit up Auckland’s Victoria Park last year
ENDS