10 Dec 2011

Mayor hopes giant xmas tree will lift Christchurch spirits

9:45 am on 10 December 2011

Hagley Park is playing host to Christchurch's first seven-storey high Christmas tree.

Five thousand people took part in a special lighting ceremony on Friday night.

The Telecom Christmas Tree is made up of 375,000 lights and is expected to attract thousands of visitors to the park.

Christchurch mayor Bob Parker says the giant tree will bring some Christmas cheer and lift people's spirits.

Carols by Candlelight will be held next to the tree, in North Hagley Park, on Christmas Eve.

There will also be a light show from dusk until dawn each day until Boxing Day.

Auckland and Wellington also have Telecom Christmas Trees.