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A forest of 65 Christmas trees is brightening Wellington Airport as the annual Cystic Fibrosis Christmas Tree Festival returns to support families living with cystic fibrosis across the region.
Businesses, community groups and individuals are sponsoring trees to raise funds for the Cystic Fibrosis NZ Wellington Branch, which provides practical, emotional and physical support to people living with the condition.
CF is the most common life-threatening genetic condition affecting New Zealanders, with more than 600 people living with CF nationwide. Managing the condition often involves daily treatment routines, regular medical appointments, hospital stays and, in some cases, lung transplantation. The Christmas period can be especially challenging for families due to extra treatment demands and unplanned hospital admissions.
Funds raised through the festival help CFNZ provide a wide range of support, including home visits from social workers, wrap-around care for parents of newborns, assistance with parking, meals and travel during hospitalisations, support for essential household expenses, physical exercise grants through Breath4CF, mental health counselling, and care for families navigating transplants or end-of-life situations.
Cystic Fibrosis NZ executive lead Simone Brown says the festival offers both vital support and moments of joy.
“While many people and businesses are winding down, ready for a restful holiday break, life with cystic fibrosis doesn’t rest – it doesn’t stop over the silly season. For some, family gatherings and festivities pose extra risks, with additional precautions needed.
“In its 11th year, we’re incredibly grateful to Wellington Airport and every sponsor who makes the Wellington Christmas Tree Festival possible. The magic of the trees, the shimmer of baubles, and the joy this festival brings mean more than beautifully curated displays – they represent hope and support for an incredible community.
“The festival not only shines twinkling lights on our community, but it also helps raise vital funds – funds that provide practical and emotional support when families need it most. Our work never stops, and our community’s needs are as diverse as ever. We are there through it all, and we’re proud that Wellington Airport continues to stand with us year after year.”
Wellington Airport manager brand and sponsorship Jo Maxwell says the event is a highlight of the terminal each year.
“This year we have a record number of trees in the terminal, thanks to our generous sponsors and volunteers.
“This is a cause close to our heart at the airport and one we’ve proudly supported for 11 years now.
“As well as supporting an important cause, it also creates a fantastic Christmas atmosphere in the terminal that our travellers love.”
Wellington Airport is providing a $10,000 advertising package for the first-placed tree, as selected by a local artist. Travellers can also vote for the People’s Choice award, with the winning sponsor receiving a $5,000 advertising package. Every vote cast goes in the draw to win a $500 shopping spree, and children can enter to win a $250 prize pack by designing their own tree.
