“THIS is the best Christmas tree ever! I love Telecom!”
It’s not often you’d hear something like this shouted on the streets of Wellington, especially from a 20-something. Nevertheless, this sentiment was overheard last year underneath the 27-metre tall Telecom Christmas tree, as dozens of people clambered for beanbag space underneath its fluorescent awning.
The tree is designed by Lord of the Rings and King Kong art director Joe Bleakley.
“Big, sophisticated cities all around the world have these trees. A lot of them use similar technology but the unique thing about this tree is that you can lie under it. From the outside it’s a traditional Christmas tree with a star on top. From underneath it looks like a like a tunnel that goes on forever; the technology superhighway.”
Those who were lucky enough to lie under it last year will know what he’s talking about. It was a mesmerizing thing, watching 375,000 spiraling lights twist up to the sky into one of 16 million possible colour combinations.
“It feels like you’re inside the data cable connecting everyone together. For me, that’s in the spirit of Christmas,” says Bleakley.
Speaking of connections between people, it’s rumoured that couples with amorous intentions were a semi-constant pain for security guards on the site last year.
Bleakley laughs: “The tree seems to bring out the best in people.”
The tree has moved from its spot in Frank Kitts Park to the more central Waitangi Park, to encourage greater foot traffic at night.
The grand opening of the tree will again be hosted by Oscar Kightley, remembered last year for playing tricks on then-mayor Kerry Prendergast who couldn’t seem work out how to light it up. Children will be able to call Santaline direct from phone boxes with lines of lights that spark up as you call, illustrating the delivery of your wish list to the star at the top where it’s then transmitted direct to Santa.
Telecom Christmas Tree Opening, Waitangi Park, Wellington’s waterfront, November 30-December 26.