It was a huge success thanks to not only the beautiful trees which lit up the airport, but also the level of awareness of cystic fibrosis gained from the giant advertising billboard donated to the event.

The trees were decorated by local businesses, schools and sports teams, with the Axe furniture tree awarded the best tree because of its inspiring black and white photos of people meeting loved ones at Wellington Airport. It was also lovely to hear the sounds of native birds singing from the Kiwibank tree, and also hearing Chamber Music New Zealand and the Symphony Orchestra playing during the festival.

The event has been running for nine years and this time the airport kindly donated the use of a large indoor billboard to help raise awareness about cystic fibrosis. It highlighted the message that for some families every Christmas is a gift. And with around 1 million people travelling through the Airport over Christmas and January, CFNZ couldn’t have asked for a better gift for awareness.

CEO's from Wellington Airport, Air New Zealand, NZ Rugby and CFNZ all spoke at the gala opening in December. The Branch is delighted that Wellington Airport has confirmed the amazing Christmas Tree Festival has been confirmed for this year as well.

Organisers Michele Wilson and Paula Richards recently took afternoon tea to the wonderful marketing tea at the Airport to say thanks for their continuing support in particular CEO Steve Sanderson, Jo, Mary and Astra.