Te Komititanga will host the spectacular debut of a magical new Christmas tree... Te Manaaki.
Standing at a majestic 18.4 meters tall, decorated with over 10,000 LED lights, 4,000 PĆhutukawa flower decorations and over 200 giant baubles, it marks the start of an exciting new festive tradition for Auckland.
This gift for the city is a partnership between Heart of The City and Precinct Properties, with support from Auckland Council and the city centre targeted rate. Te Manaaki will bring festive magic for all to enjoy, transforming Te Komititanga (adjacent to Commercial Bay and the WaitematÄ Station (Britomart)) into a vibrant, festive hub creating a welcoming focal point for celebration and connection in the city centre, the home of Christmas!Â
The name Te Manaaki was generously gifted by NgÄti WhÄtua ĆrÄkei, with manaaki meaning respect, care and hospitality. The name reflects the values that make Auckland special â support for each other, the celebration of culture, and a commitment to community. The base of the tree, designed by Merania Kerehoma of NgÄti WhÄtua ĆrÄkei, draws from traditional MÄori mahi toi (art) to honour the heritage and culture of TÄmaki Makaurau, celebrating both where weâve come from and where weâre 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 Aucklandâs 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.
Te Manaaki's wonderful inaugural illumination event will take place on 23 November and all the details will be announced on 15 November, so check back here for more information! You can also catch a glimpse of the tree as it starts to grow in Te Komititanga from 17 November.
Viv Beck, Chief Executive of Heart of the City, says "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. Weâd 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.â Â
Scott Pritchard, CEO of Precinct Properties says "Te Manaaki reflects Precinctâs commitment to supporting the revitalisation of Aucklandâs city centre. As the owners of Commercial Bay, weâre 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 weâre incredibly proud to be involved.â
More Christmas magic is on the way!
The city centre will be glowing with even more Christmas spirit, from the Smith & Caughey's windows and Enchanted Forrest to The Pav and Light Forest in Aotea Square all the way to the Farmer's Santa Parade! Expect special activations, markets, music and merriment, plus all the festive food & shopping you can dream of. Be sure to check back in on our website as the city is decked with decorations and fills with festivities in the coming weeks.Â
Park for $2 per hour at the Downtown car park to a maximum of $15 on evenings and weekends. Find out more.Â