This Content Is Only For Subscribers
The much-loved Nelson Airport Trees of Remembrance activation is returning this holiday season, offering businesses a unique opportunity to give back to the community while boosting their brand visibility during the busiest travel period of the year.
This year’s campaign introduces an exciting new structure with three sponsorship tiers—Gold, Silver, and Bronze—allowing even more businesses to take part in this heartwarming tradition that supports Nelson Tasman Hospice.
The Trees of Remembrance campaign has been a cherished part of the Nelson Tasman community for more than 30 years, offering individuals and businesses a meaningful way to honour loved ones while contributing to free hospice services.
Sponsored Christmas trees will once again illuminate Nelson Airport from December 2025 through January 2026, spreading festive cheer to the thousands of locals and travellers passing through during the holiday season.
“We are thrilled to bring back this incredible campaign with even more ways for businesses to get involved,” says Nelson Tasman Hospice chief operating officer Donna Ching-Tregidga.
“The Trees of Remembrance not only brighten up Nelson Airport but also bring businesses and the community together for a cause that truly makes a difference.”
Nelson Airport communications manager Beth Catley says last years event had once again proven a hit with the tens of thousands of travellers in the terminal over the festive season.
“The trees brought a lot of fun and joy into the terminal and our visitors loved checking out the decorations and voting for their favourites. There was also a ‘Great Bauble Hunt’ activity for kids which was really popular. We love hosting this event in support of our region’s vital hospice services, and we were so impressed with the creativity and artistic flair of the generous local businesses who came on board to support the campaign.”
This year, businesses can choose from three sponsorship levels:
Gold ($3,000) – Premium placement in high-traffic areas, an 8ft tree, exclusive marketing benefits, and high-visibility social media promotions.
Silver ($1,500) – Mid-tier placement with a 6ft tree, promotional assets, and social media acknowledgments.
Bronze ($750) – A cost-effective way to participate by providing a 6ft or smaller tree in designated areas, with social media promotion included.
All sponsors receive professional photos of their trees, access to the Trees of Remembrance logo for marketing, and recognition across Nelson Airport and Nelson Tasman Hospice’s promotional channels
The activation kicks off with a lively tree decorating event in late November, where sponsor teams come together to design creative and meaningful displays. Trees will be judged in categories such as “Classic Christmas,” “Regional Love,” and “Fun Factor,” with an overall “Most Creative” award chosen by Dame Suzie Moncrieff, founder of World of WearableArt.
Additionally, the public will have the chance to vote for their favourite tree through QR codes and online engagement, contributing to the highly anticipated People’s Choice Award.
“It’s such a rewarding campaign to be part of—not only does it support an incredible cause, but it also creates a meaningful way for businesses to connect with the community. I’d highly recommend getting involved!” says 2024 sponsor Motueka Creamery’s Lorelle Puklowski.
All funds raised through the Trees of Remembrance campaign directly support Nelson Tasman Hospice, which provides free specialist palliative care to more than 210 individuals and families in the region every month. The hospice relies on community support to bridge the $4 million annual funding gap to continue delivering its vital services.
Businesses interested in becoming a sponsor can register from today to secure their spot.
