Auckland prepares for Christmas with Tree

November 12, 2024

Share to Google Classroom

Auckland is preparing to light up the holiday season with a brand-new Christmas tree in the heart of downtown.

The impressive 18-meter tree, called Te Manaaki, will stand in Te Komititanga Square on Queen Street. Built with a steel frame and decorated with 10,000 LED lights, 4,000 pōhutukawa flowers, and over 200 shiny stainless-steel baubles, the tree is set to be a glowing festive centerpiece.

Auckland Council, along with business groups Heart of the City and Precinct Properties, funded the project, hoping to create a lasting holiday tradition. Council leaders say that funding from local businesses and residents within the city centre will cover most of the cost, ensuring that resources are used to benefit the community directly.

While some residents have questioned the cost of the tree, the council explained that the project is meant to bring joy and excitement to the city’s centre for many years. Te Manaaki will be officially lit during a special event on November 23, following its construction, which begins on November 17.

Article written by Milli Banbury

This article was written using AI as an assistive tool for research, writing, and proofreading.
The te reo Māori version of this article was translated with AI assistance. While care has been taken to keep it accurate, if you spot anything that doesn't read quite right, please let us know

Learning Options

Recall Questions

Thinking questions

Digital Thinking

Learning Options

Recall Questions

Thinking questions

Digital Thinking

The kea is a large alpine parrot found in the South Island of New Zealand. It is famous for its intelligence, curiosity, and playful behaviour. Kea can solve problems, pull apart objects, and investigate anything new. In the wild, these birds live in harsh mountain environments where food can be scarce. Because of this, they have learned to search widely and use their strong beaks in many different ways. Conservation groups monitor kea populations so they can protect the birds from threats such as vehicle strikes, poisoning, and loss of habitat. The text uses facts, not opinions, to help readers understand the species.

What is the author's purpose in this text?

To inform readers about the kea and its conservation To persuade readers to buy bird food To entertain readers with a fictional bird tale To express the author's feelings about mountains