Nelson Airport Trees of Remembrance showcases local generosity

The Nelson Airport Trees of Remembrance hospice fundraising campaign launches today, with 15 generous sponsor businesses filling the Nelson Airport terminal with festive cheer.

In its third year, the campaign sees local businesses throw their support behind Nelson Tasman Hospice by sponsoring and decorating Christmas trees that go on display in the terminal over the business Christmas and New Year period.

This year, 15 businesses have signed up – nearly double last year’s total. The stakes are high for the sponsors, who are vying for the honour of being named either the “People’s Choice” champion, or the Overall Winner in a competition to decorate the most impressive tree.

Dame Suzie Moncrieff, founder of the World of WearableArt Awards Show, returns as the competition’s celebrity judge, casting her discerning eye over the decorations to select the annual champion. Visitors to the terminal can select their favourite (and go in the draw for a prize) by casting a vote using the QR codes in the terminal.

The event also features a fun treasure hunt for kids. Just pick up an entry form in the terminal, search for the special decorations on the trees, and go in the draw to win a ride in the Nelson Airport fire truck, Flick!

Nelson Tasman Hospice Head of Supporter Engagement and Income Development Donna Ching-Tregidga said: “We extend our heartfelt thanks to Nelson Airport for demonstrating exceptional community leadership through their support of our Nelson Airport Trees of Remembrance fundraiser. This partnership, along with the support of the participating businesses, helps ensure that hospice care in our community remains accessible and compassionate for those who need it most.”

Nelson Airport Head of Corporate Services Beth Catley said the airport team was excited to welcome such a large number of big-hearted local businesses. “The trees bring festive cheer as well as a taste of some of the great local products and services on offer in the region. This campaign is always a big hit with our visitors, especially families who enjoy checking out all the trees, voting for their favourites and searching for the special baubles.”

Beth said the event provides a highly visible showcase both for hospice and the sponsoring businesses, with between 2500 and 3000 passengers moving through the terminal daily over summer.

The tree sponsors for 2025 are:

Gold sponsors:

• Olive Estate Lifestyle Village

• Nelson Pine Industries

• Kaiteriteri Recreation Reserve

• Hamish Fletcher Lawyers

• Atkinson Crehan Law

Silver sponsors:

• Scope Group

• Tāhuna Beach Holiday Park

• Richmond Office Products Depot (OPD)

• Digital Diligence Ltd (DDL)

• Sprig + Fern Brewing Company

• Shone & Shirley

• Gibbons Naylor

Bronze sponsors:

• Port Nelson

• Nelson Orthodontics

• Originair

The Nelson Airport Trees of Remembrance campaign will run through until early January 2026.