Te Komititanga, Auckland's premier public square in lower Queen Street, will host the spectacular debut of a magical new Christmas tree Te Manaaki this festive season.
Standing at a majestic 18.4 metres high and decorated with over 10,000 individual led lights, 4,000 vibrant pōhutukawa flowers and over 200 giant baubles, Te Manaaki marks the start of a new festive tradition for Auckland in quintessentially Kiwi style.
Giant baubles will return to Te Komititanga. Photo Gino Demeer.
A gift for the city through 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. Read more here.
Jenny Larking, Auckland Council Head of City Centre Programmes, is delighted to see a full series of festive activations coming to many of our city centre streets and squares this Christmas.
“We are thrilled to be able to support the Farmers Santa Parade, The Pav coming to Aotea Square, vibrant Queen Street festive activations and also Te Manaaki, a spectacular addition to Auckland’s festive celebrations.
“Our partners in the city centre have been calling for collaboration between Auckland Council and local business associations, to significantly increase the number of events and promotions in the city centre, to bring joy, vibrancy and much needed foot traffic to the area after a tough few years.
“The city centre targeted rate, contributed by city centre businesses and residents, funds a comprehensive programme of events and promotions throughout the year. Funding Te Manaaki through the city centre targeted rate means that the resources provided by city centre businesses and residents are reinvested to benefit the same community.
Shopping in Galway Street. Photo Jay Farnworth
“Auckland’s city centre has the best hospitality and entertainment offerings in the city. By investing in Te Manaaki, Auckland Council is helping ensure it can put on a festive season for the whole region to enjoy and bring vital pre-Christmas trading into the city centre,” says Jenny Larking.
Te Manaaki is a significant investment, for the city that will be enjoyed for many years to come. Heart of the City and Precinct Properties have made equal contributions.
Auckland Council’s contribution, via the city centre targeted rate, of $800,000 provides $400,000 (roughly one-third) towards the purchase cost, and $400,000 towards operational funding over the next few years to bring this festive experience to Te Komititanga.
It is expected Heart of the City and Precinct Properties will bring in private investment to contribute to displaying Te Manaaki over future festive seasons.
Read more about the city centre targeted rate here.
