Pine or Pōhutukawa

Television (Full Length) – 2005

Visit any New Zealand mall in December and fake snow, reindeer and sleighs still dominate, so prolific presenter Pio Terei (Te Araroa: Tales from the Trails) hits the road in search of the 'real' Kiwi Christmas, asking "should we swap the pine for pōhutukawa?". Along the way he attends two street parties, visits a diverse range of whānau and meets some true enthusiasts — like the Whettons in Invercargill who open their house of animatronic Santas, lights and tinsel to the public every year. Terei investigates Christmas menus, Christmas for blended families, people who work Christmas Day and some who dread the holiday.

All this goodwill walks in the door, people bring goodwill with them when they come in the door ... Sometimes I think it's a bit like surfing, you know, it's like you've got the big wave of goodwill and you just get on the board and ride.
– Minister Glynn Cardy on the happy atmosphere in his Christmas services