Shades of red, orange and hot pink, combined with splashes of lime, will adorn Hobsonville Point Road’s pohutukawa tree when it receives its second lot of handmade livery later this year.

The tree, which is located opposite the end of Cochrane Road, was first dressed in knitted and crocheted art, often referred to as yarn bombing, three years ago. Ornate and intricate designs, sewn together to form a larger cosy covering (pictured), intrigued passers-by at the site for two years.
Now lead artist, Alison Milne, and a team of creative volunteers are again busy behind the scenes, making magical and entirely unique creations out of acrylic wool. Alison says the project gives volunteers enormous scope to display individual flair.

“Though they are producing to size, there’s an awful lot of artistic input from the knitters and crocheters themselves. It’s a challenge for them to do different stitches within their piece and how they use the colour is entirely up to them.”

Alison is currently seeking volunteers to join the team as there is plenty to do before the tree is again dressed in November.

“You don’t have to be a wonderful artist or great with textiles to be able to make work for it. It can be done really, really simply. People just do it for the sheer joy.”
For more information, please contact Kathleen Waldock at HLC on kathleen.waldock@hlc.co.nz.