Coronet Peak’s pine eradication program is helping locals during Christmas

Happiness Tree is the new initiative from the team at Queenstown ski field Coronet Peak, one that benefits the land and locals this month.

During the Christmas festive season until December 22, Coronet Peak staff are taking orders for Christmas tree wilding pines being removed from the ski field with all funds being donated to local Queenstown charity Happiness House.

Nigel Kerr, Coronet Peak Ski Area manager, said the maintenance team led by Mark Sommerville had come upon the idea.

“Wilding pines are non-natives and pests on the land. As part of our Kaitiaki [guardianship] responsibility we have a revegetation program for their removal, and the planting of thousands of native alpine grasses,” he explained.

“But the pines also happen to be great Christmas trees, so there was potential to do something more than just eradicate. But for us it’s not about making a dime.”

He said they approached Happiness House to ask if they would like donations from the tree sales, and they were delighted.

Happiness House manager Karen Stuart said they were grateful for the assistance.

“We provide the community with social services to support healthy and empowered lives and that can range from helping with Christmas gifts and hampers during this time to offering our popular Friday produce day that runs year round to help with high living costs.

Happiness House is a central safe and welcoming location on Park Street with an outdoor area and op shop.

“We rely on funding from local businesses such as Coronet Peak, so we’re delighted with this initiative,” said Karen.

In the first 24 hours that the page was live 76 trees were sold.

“People are keen to support the initiative,” said Nigel.

“And the elves are happy to deliver.”

How it works
A minimum $20 donation is donated through the givealittle page and will go directly to Happiness House in exchange for a hand-picked Christmas Trees are delivered to locals’ doors by the Coronet Peak maintenance team, AKA the Coronet Peak elves.

Trees are available in 1, 2 and 3 metre sizes although numbers are limited as Coronet Peak’s ongoing eradication program means not that many survive to reach Christmas tree height. Trees will be available for purchase through till the 22nd December and will be delivered within 3 days of your order. Donors must email Christmas@coronetpeak.co.nz to provide their address details.

ENDS

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