Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown is backing two of Tāmaki Makaurau’s most remarkable trees in the race to be crowned New Zealand’s Tree of the Year, encouraging Aucklanders to get behind the city’s finalists before voting closes next week.
The Mayor has thrown his support behind Old Goff, believed to be the world’s largest known Sydney red gum, and The Sangro Survivor, a tree with a remarkable wartime history that was grown from a seed collected by a New Zealand soldier during the Second World War.
The endorsement comes as communities around the country rally behind six finalists competing for the national title in the annual Tree of the Year competition, organised by the New Zealand Notable Trees Trust. Voting closes on 8 July, with the winner to be announced the following day.
Tree of the Year celebrates more than the size or age of a tree. The competition recognises trees with stories that have become woven into the identity, history and heritage of their local communities.
Old Goff has become an iconic Auckland landmark because of its enormous size and rarity, while The Sangro Survivor carries a unique story of remembrance, symbolising the connection between New Zealand’s wartime history and the landscapes that continue to preserve those memories.
The competition has generated growing public interest, with communities, councils and civic leaders encouraging people to support trees that reflect the character and history of their regions.
For Māori, many notable trees are regarded as taonga, carrying whakapapa, cultural significance and deep connections to whenua. Ancient and historic trees often serve as markers of history, places of gathering and symbols of kaitiakitanga, reinforcing the importance of protecting Aotearoa’s natural heritage for future generations.
The Tree of the Year competition also highlights the role trees play in supporting biodiversity, providing habitat for native birds and strengthening communities’ connection with the environment.
Organisers say the competition is ultimately about celebrating the stories behind New Zealand’s most treasured trees and inspiring greater appreciation for the natural landmarks that shape communities across the country.
With only days remaining before voting closes, Aucklanders are being encouraged to show their civic pride and help one of the city’s remarkable trees claim the national title.
#RadioWaatea #WaateaNews #TreeOfTheYear #Auckland #WayneBrown #Kaitiakitanga #Ngahere #NativeTrees #Environment #Conservation #Biodiversity #Māori #Whenua #Aotearoa #SEO
