A handmade Christmas tree in Featherston, New Zealand, has been destroyed by vandals, casting a shadow over the holiday season for the local community.
Community Effort Shattered
The tree, located in the area known as “the squircle” on SH2, was constructed entirely from recycled materials by a local craft collective. Approximately 15 volunteers, including former Featherston community board member John Dennison, dedicated up to 300 hours during October and November to build the display. Dennison stated, “It’s quite sad. I doubt we will be able to put it up again,” and added, “It’s very discouraging.”
The damage, discovered Monday night, was determined to be the result of vandalism and not weather-related. Dennison explained that the internal structure of the tree was broken in a way that would not have occurred naturally in wind. The tree was carefully designed with wind permeability in mind, featuring a wooden pole, plastic pipe supports, and a shade cloth covering.
A Collective Loss
The tree was more than just a decoration; it was a product of a community workshop – the worn cloth collective – open to all skill levels and focused on reusing materials and fostering creativity. The collective provides a space for residents to work with textiles and participate in a collaborative environment.
Police have been notified of the incident. It is possible that the community will discuss options for future displays, but the immediate future of the tree remains uncertain. It is also possible that the incident could spur increased community vigilance and efforts to protect public spaces.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the tree made of?
The tree was handmade entirely from recycled materials, including a wooden pole, plastic pipes, shade cloth, and fabric triangular designs.
How long did it take to build the tree?
It took approximately 15 volunteers up to 300 hours to construct the tree during October and November.
What is the worn cloth collective?
The worn cloth collective is a drop-in workshop and community project for people to make items from recycled clothes and fabric, open to all levels of experience.
What does a community do when a symbol of shared joy is deliberately damaged?
