Source: Radio New Zealand
The Timaru Christmas tree was destroyed by fire last week. Supplied
Timaru businesses have joined together to replace a community Christmas tree that was deliberately set on fire – and now the community has been asked to help decorate it.
The 10-metre-tall fully decorated tree on the Caroline Bay piazza cost the council $107,000 and was destroyed last week.
Local business leader Gordon Handy said he decided the community still needed a tree.
“I thought, well, I could get this to happen, so I reached out to some other businesses and it didn’t take us long to get a pretty good plan in place.”
A radiata pine from the Timaru District Council forestry block was felled and transported to the top of the piazza on the Bay Hill, where council took over the installation between rain bursts, Handy said.
“Hilton Haulage came on board to transport the tree and the base was re-engineered by Fabtech,” he said. Hardie Building 2024 Ltd also donated time and resources to erect the tree.
Mayor Nigel Bowen said this was the definition of the community coming together.
“I got the call on Friday night and Gordon said it wouldn’t be Christmas for the community without a tree, to which I agree,” he said.
“I saw on social media how much the community actually cared for and enjoyed the Christmas tree we lost last week. It will be good to have that space filled again, just in time for Christmas.
“As this tree is for the community by the community, it is only fitting the community help us decorate it.”
Members of the community who wanted to contribute to the tree decorations could drop in an ornament to any Timaru District Library for council staff to hang on the new tree.
Decorations needed to be sturdy – no glass or ceramics – and about the size of a tennis ball. Alternatively, a piece of wide ribbon or cloth in festive colours that could be tied to the tree would also be accepted.
A man has entered no plea to a charge of intentionally damaging the original tree.
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
