Trees of Remembrance 2025 – A Season of Reflection, Hope and Giving

As the festive season approaches, Nelson Tasman Hospice invites the community to pause, remember and give through this year’s Trees of Remembrance campaign – a long-running and heartfelt tradition that blends commemoration with compassionate support.

Families, friends and colleagues are invited to honour loved ones who are no longer with us while making a meaningful contribution to the hospice which provides free specialist palliative care across the region.

2025 Activation Dates

• 

  Farmers Trees of Remembrance (Farmers Nelson & Farmers Richmond Mall) – 13 November to 24 December 2025

• Community Trees of Remembrance (New World Nelson City, Woolworths/New World Stoke & NBS Richmond) – 5 to 7 December 2025

How it works

When you visit the installations, you will be invited to:

• Write a personal message in memory of a loved one.
• Make a donation or purchase a dedicated bauble or memorial card (available on-site).
• Place your message on the Christmas trees, becoming a visual tribute to those we remember.

At the end of the campaign, all tags are respectfully gathered and cremated. The trees symbolise more than festive décor – they offer a moment of reflection and connection amid the busy season.

The 28^th of November marks the beginning of the Nelson Airport Trees of Remembrance activation with a display of trees at the airport sponsored and decorated by local businesses who have chosen to support Nelson Tasman Hospice this Christmas. The trees will be on display until the 8^th of January and all visitors to the airport can vote for their favourite tree.

Nelson Tasman Hospice provides free specialist palliative care for people of all ages in the region, supporting them and their whānau through illness, death and bereavement. The service cares for more than 210 patients each month. A significant annual shortfall of $4.5m must be raised through community support each year to ensure that these services remain free of charge for those that need it most.

“As the festive lights go up and the year draws to a close, our Trees of Remembrance offer more than decoration. They provide a moment to reflect and give hope to others.” says Donna Ching-Tregidga, Head of Supporter Engagement and Income Development at Nelson Tasman Hospice.
“Whether you are commemorating someone dearly missed or simply supporting the work we do, your involvement makes a real difference in our region. Together we light up the trees – and in doing so, we keep the light’s on for care, compassion and community.”

If you can’t make it to a tree, but still want to show your support to Hospice, you can make a donation on our website here: https://www.nelsonhospice.org.nz/donations/donate-funds/