Tawa’s distinctive Bucket Tree is flying Wellington’s flag in the 2026 New Zealand Tree of the Year competition.
The macrocarpa, known for its upside-down bucket shape, is one of six finalists competing for the national title.
While many notable trees are recognised for their size or age, the Bucket Tree has earned attention for a more unusual reason. It has been carefully trimmed by successive generations for almost 150 years to keep its iconic shape.
Tree of the Year Chair Brad Cadwallader said the tree was one of the most distinctive finalists in this year’s competition.
“You don’t see many trees that have been deliberately shaped and maintained by successive generations for almost 150 years. It’s part tree, part living sculpture, and entirely unique,” he said.
The tree was planted in the 1850s on Boscobel Farm in Tawa, the property of William Earp. Since about 1879, it has been regularly trimmed into the form of an upturned bucket, creating a silhouette familiar to generations of locals.
Brad said the tree represented an important piece of Wellington heritage.
“Many historic trees are valued because they are large or ancient. The Bucket Tree is special because of the continuity of care it represents. For generations people have maintained not just the tree itself, but the tradition behind it,” he said.
“The Bucket Tree has character. People remember it, they talk about it, and they smile when they see it. That’s exactly the sort of connection Tree of the Year is all about.”
The six finalists were selected from nominations from across New Zealand.
Voting is open now at www.treeoftheyear.co.nz.
