Tawa’s Bucket Tree has surged into first place in the 2026 New Zealand Tree of the Year competition after strong support from Porirua and Wellington voters.
The distinctive macrocarpa, known for its upturned bucket shape, is one of six finalists in the national competition.
NZ Notable Trees Trust chair Brad Cadwallader said the response from local readers had been extraordinary.
“The Bucket Tree’s rise has been remarkable. It shows that a good local story and strong community support can quickly change the leaderboard,” he said.
Only days ago, the competition was being led by the Mighty Old Mataī from Dunedin, but the Bucket Tree has now opened a strong lead on the latest leaderboard.
Brad said the result showed how strongly communities could get behind a local landmark.
The Bucket Tree was planted in the 1850s on Boscobel Farm in Tawa and has been trimmed into its unusual shape since about 1879. It is also known as the Earp Macrocarpa, after the property’s original owner, William Earp.
Voting remains open at www.treeoftheyear.co.nz/2026-trees-1/the-bucket-tree and closes at midnight on 8 July. The official site lists the 2026 finalists as Ancient Pūriri, Kissing Tree, The Sangro Survivor, Mighty Old Mataī, The Bucket Tree and Old Goff.
