Nelson Airport Trees of Remembrance set to shine

The second annual Nelson Airport Trees of Remembrance campaign launched this month, bringing festive cheer to the airport terminal thanks to big-hearted businesses throwing their support behind the Nelson Tasman Hospice through sponsored Christmas trees.

The stakes are high for the sponsors, who are vying for the honour of being named either the “People’s Choice” champion, or the Overall Winner in a competition to decorate the most amazing tree.

Dame Suzie Moncrieff, founder of the World of WearableArt Awards Show, returns as the celebrity judge of the overall competition in 2024. On Wednesday 4 December she visited the terminal to cast an exacting eye over the trees.

Dame Suzie said: “It’s been such a joy to see the creativity on display in each of these beautifully decorated trees. Each tree reflects so much thought and effort making judging them a tough decision. I love how each business has creatively considered their brand and their business and how they have included their teams in the creation. There is also a real mixture of glamour, fun and joy and each one is so beautifully put together with so many details to explore.

“It’s wonderful to see the business community participating and helping to make this holiday season even more special and to also helping raise the awareness and importance of Nelson Tasman Hospice and the role hospice care plays in our community.”

Visitors to the terminal can also select their favourite by casting a vote using the QR codes displayed next to the trees, with voters going in the draw to win flights for two to Wellington with Originair.

This year, the event also features “The Great Bauble Hunt” for kids. Just pick up an entry form in the terminal, search for the special decorations on the trees, and go in the draw to win a ride in the Nelson Airport fire truck, Flick!

Nelson Tasman Hospice Head of Supporter Engagement and Income Development Donna Ching-Tregidga said all money raised from the tree sponsorship will help patients and their families in the Nelson Tasman region continue to receive free hospice services.

“As a local charity, our service supports one in three people that die in the Nelson Tasman community each year. We simply couldn’t do what we do without a compassionate community that supports our work. Thank you to our tree sponsors who have put their creativity behind decorating their trees to make it a special experience for the thousands of visitors that will see them up close. Special thank you to Nelson Airport for not only coming on board as the naming rights sponsor of this event but for also being an incredible activator and supporter of this special activation.”

Nelson Airport Communications Manager Beth Catley said the event was proving a big hit with travellers and airport visitors. “The trees look incredible and people love checking them all out, reading about the design inspiration and casting votes for their favourites. We’re also getting lots of entries in The Great Bauble Hunt, which is a fun thing for families to do together while waiting for a flight.”

Beth said with between 2500 and 3000 passengers moving through the terminal daily over summer, the event provides a highly visible showcase both for hospice and the sponsoring businesses.

The tree sponsors for 2024 are:
• Originair
• Motueka Creamery
• KC&Co Real Estate
• New Zealand King Salmon
• Nelson Pine Industries
• Gallagher Insurance
• Fulton Hogan

The Nelson Airport Trees of Remembrance campaign will run through until 9 January 2025