The Enchanting “Walking Tree” Claims the 2024 Tree of the Year Title

The New Zealand Tree Society has crowned the “Walking Tree” as the 2024 Tree of the Year, capturing the imagination of nature enthusiasts and locals alike. This annual competition, known as Rakau o te tau in Māori, celebrates unique and significant trees across New Zealand, highlighting their beauty, history, and ecological importance.

Located in the town of Karamea on the west coast of New Zealand’s South Island, the Walking Tree is a northern rātā (Metrosideros robusta), a species endemic to New Zealand. Standing at an impressive 32 meters tall, the Walking Tree’s distinctive appearance has earned it its whimsical name. The tree’s base splits into two, giving the illusion that it is walking across the plain, reminiscent of the Ents from J.R.R. Tolkien’s “Lord of the Rings.”

The northern rātā is renowned for its unique growth habit. It begins life as a semi-epiphytic plant, often starting its journey on another tree. As it matures, it extends aerial roots to the ground, eventually enveloping and outliving its host. This process results in the hollow trunks seen in mature northern rātā trees, contributing to the Walking Tree’s remarkable appearance.

This year’s competition saw the Walking Tree emerge as the clear favorite, securing 42% of the votes among the six finalists. Its solitary presence on the plain, a legacy of being the sole survivor after the surrounding forest was cleared about 150 years ago, adds to its mystique. Local legends and historical accounts suggest that even then, the tree was regarded as something extraordinary.

The Walking Tree joins an esteemed list of past Tree of the Year winners, each celebrated for their unique characteristics and the stories they embody:

1. 2019 – Te Matua Ngahere (Father of the Forest): This ancient kauri tree, located in the Waipoua Forest of Northland, is one of the largest and oldest known kauri trees, estimated to be over 2,000 years old.
2. 2020 – Tāne Mahuta (Lord of the Forest): Also in the Waipoua Forest, Tāne Mahuta is another giant kauri tree. It stands as the largest kauri tree in New Zealand, both in height and girth, and holds significant cultural importance in Māori mythology.
3. 2021 – Pōhutukawa Tree on Rangitoto Island: This stunning tree is part of the world’s largest pōhutukawa forest. Pōhutukawa trees are known for their vibrant red flowers that bloom around Christmas time, earning them the nickname “New Zealand’s Christmas tree.”
4. 2022 – The Beech Tree in Fiordland National Park: This ancient tree, located in one of New Zealand’s most remote and pristine environments, is notable for its resilience and the diverse ecosystem it supports.
5. 2023 – The Ribbonwood Tree in Christchurch: A survivor of the Canterbury earthquakes, this tree symbolizes resilience and renewal, standing tall in the city’s red zone.

The Walking Tree’s victory not only highlights its unique beauty but also underscores the importance of preserving New Zealand’s natural heritage. While the tree is on private property, it can be admired from nearby viewpoints, allowing visitors to appreciate its grandeur without disturbing its natural setting.

The New Zealand Tree Society’s Tree of the Year competition continues to inspire and educate the public about the country’s rich arboreal history, encouraging conservation efforts and a deeper appreciation for these natural wonders.

The concept of a “Tree of the Year” competition is not unique to New Zealand. Similar contests are held in various countries, celebrating notable trees that have significant cultural, historical, or ecological importance.

1. European Tree of the Year: This contest is one of the most prominent, involving multiple countries across Europe. Each participating country conducts a national competition to select a candidate, which is then entered into the European competition. The contest aims to highlight trees with interesting stories and strong connections to local communities. The 2024 European Tree of the Year was won by the Polish beech “Heart of the Garden” from the Niemcza region​.

1. UK Tree of the Year: Organized by the Woodland Trust, this competition selects notable trees from England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. The winners of the national competitions go on to compete in the European contest. Recent winners include the Sweet Chestnut tree in Acton Park, Wrexham (2023), and the Waverley Abbey Yew (2022)​.

1. Asian Tree of the Year: This competition, organized by the Carbon Consulting Company, features entries from countries like Sri Lanka, India, Nepal, Malaysia, and Singapore. It aims to raise awareness about the importance of trees in maintaining biodiversity and balancing economic development with environmental conservation. The contest involves public participation and a judging panel to select the winners​

These competitions not only celebrate the beauty and significance of trees but also promote conservation efforts and community engagement with nature.