Auckland Council has come under fire after it was announced that a million dollar Christmas tree would be going up in downtown Auckland whilst many of their residents struggle through a cost-of-living crisis.
Auckland Council hasn’t revealed the price of the 18m steel tree, set to stand in Te Komititanga Square (formerly Elizabeth Square) on lower Queen Street. However, the Auckland Ratepayers’ Alliance says it costs up to $1.3 million.
The Council is coughing up 800k for the tree with the rest of the cost being covered by Private organisations Heart of the City, the central city’s business association, and Precinct Properties, a major landholder and developer.
The alliance, an offshoot of the Taxpayers union spokesperson Sam Warren said the cost raised questions about spending priorities.
“There’s no doubt the tree will look stunning – it should, given its incredibly high price tag,” Warren said.
“But considering the state of the books, and how everyone else has had to tighten their belts, it’s hard not to wonder if this is a ‘nice to have’ and not a necessity.”
The tree will be made from a steel frame and decorated with 10,000 individual LED lights, 4000 pōhutukawa flowers and more than 200 giant stainless steel baubles.
Photo Credit: Auckland Council
