20 December 2021
CFNZ Wellington Branch is delighted to work with the Wellington Airport for 2021, as they host their annual CF Christmas Tree Festival.
It is heart-warming to see such amazing support again this year with 47 Christmas trees making the terminal shine, after long 24 months full of unknowns. An amazing 15 new businesses got involved in the fun, joining 32 who had already been supporting CFNZ in previous Christmas Tree Festivals. These businesses and organisations truly came together to make the airport come alive with the “magic of Christmas”.
Every year, the team work tirelessly to prepare for the event. The trees are placed into groups the night before set-up, they are fluffed up by a group of people generously volunteering their time, and lights are installed in the morning before the sponsors and fairies come in to decorate. The sponsors arrive throughout the afternoon to create their master pieces - they also get a chance to have a look at what others are creating. After everyone has left, the trees are plugged in and festival is staged - ready for the Gala Opening Evening.
Our Gala Evening to open the event included a warm welcome to our special guests, speakers, sponsors, families and friends of people with CF.
Steve Tew started off the evening, introducing Peter Miskimmin who opened the festivities. We heard from Steve Sanderson, CEO of Wellington Airport, before Tristram was welcomed up to the podium to speak about living with cystic fibrosis, and the new advances in medicines. We’d like to thank Tristram very much for sharing his inspiring story.
The trees were then judged, and prizes were awarded.
Lynne Sandri, a local artist from Seatoun, was this year's judge. She announced the winner of the Best Tree, which went to Sam’s Art House, for her stunning, bright, lively tree. The runner-up tree was Naylor Love for their creativity, followed by Bay Plaza for their wonderful feeling of Christmas created with dried oranges and cinnamon.
The festival is a success due to the support of Wellington Airport, and all the sponsors who put in an enormous amount of effort to create unforgettable trees. CFNZ is immensely grateful for all the support and love shown through the Christmas Tree Festival.
There are more ways to win with the Christmas Tree Festival:
People's Choice Award is still up for grabs - cast your vote for your favourite tree or vote online in the People's Choice Award and you could win a $500 shopping spree at Wellington Airport. PLUS the sponsor of the People’s Choice winning tree will win a $5000 advertising package at Wellington Airport. People's Choice Award closes on 10 January 2022.
Vote for your favourite tree here >
Design your own tree and win
Design your own special Christmas Tree and be in to win one of two awesome prize packs valued at $250! Print your own entry form or pick up one in the terminal. *Terms & conditions apply.
Download the entry form here >
Treasure Hunt
Explore the Christmas Festival trees around the terminal and see if you can find trees decorated with the items in our Christmas Tree treasure hunt! How many can you find? Print your own copy or pick up one in the terminal.
Download the Treasure Hunt here >
