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Rt. Hon. Winston Peters Launches 2025 Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal in New Zealand

Edelman on behalf of Kmart New Zealand

 

MEDIA RELEASE

Rt. Hon. Winston Peters Launches 2025 Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal in New Zealand

 

Wellington, New Zealand– The Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal officially launched today at Kmart’s Porirua store, marking its 32^nd year of supporting New Zealanders in need at Christmas.

In a show of support, NZ First Leader and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Rt. Hon. Winston Peters, joined Kmart Group’s Chief Corporate Affairs & Sustainability Officer, Alex Staley, and The Salvation Army’s Chief Secretary, Jennifer Groves, to kick off this year’s Appeal and encourage New Zealanders to give generously this festive season.

Rt. Hon. Winston Peters, Kmart Group Chief Corporate Affairs and Sustainability Officer Alexandra Staley, The Salvation Army’s Chief Secretary Jennifer Groves, placed the first gifts under the Wishing Tree to kick off the Appeal which runs from now until Christmas Eve across New Zealand.

In his remarks, Rt. Hon. Winston Peters, highlighted the Appeal’s lasting impact and called on the community to rally behind the cause once again.

“This appeal encapsulates the best of Christmas and the Kiwi tradition of looking out for each other.  It continues the Christmas tradition of generosity, caring for others and pulling together as a community,” said Rt. Hon. Winston Peters, “We encourage those who are able, to get in behind this appeal.  As it says in the Good Book, ‘it is better to give than to receive.’”

For more than three decades, the Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal has been New Zealand’s largest and longest-running community gift drive, collecting more than 14 million gifts and millions of dollars in donations, across New Zealand and Australia, since it began.

According to the Salvation Army, the need is greater than ever this year.

“Every year, New Zealanders support The Salvation Army and the Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal to bring hope to those in our community who need a hand. Through the generosity and kindness of people who donate a gift, The Salvation Army is able to ensure that no one who reaches out to us at Christmas time misses out on a present under the tree”, said The Salvation Army’s Chief Secretary Jennifer Groves.

Research from the Financial Services Council (FSC) of New Zealand found that 55% of New Zealanders worry about money daily or weekly[1], while The Salvation Army’s 2025 State of the Nation report revealed that the proportion of households with children reporting some level of food insecurity has reached its highest level in over a decade.[2]

Despite these challenges, generosity continues to grow in New Zealand. Last year saw a 31% year-on-year increase in donations for the Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal, with communities such as Hastings, and Papatoetoe recording significant growth in gift contributions.

Alexandra Staley, Kmart Group Chief Corporate Affairs & Sustainability Officer, praised the enduring commitment of both Kmart’s team members and the New Zealand community to helping those doing it tough at Christmas.

“For over 30 years, Kmart Group and The Salvation Army have worked to support New Zealanders in need. We continue to be inspired by the generosity of New Zealanders helping others enjoy a brighter Christmas. Every donation or gift makes a real difference, and we thank everyone here today for their support of the 2025 Appeal.”

-Ends-

 

How to Support the Appeal

 

The 2025 Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal runs in stores from 11 November to 24 December. New Zealanders can contribute via:

 

Gift Donations:

 

Drop off a new, unwrapped gift at any Kmart store. Gifts don’t need to be purchased from Kmart. Practical items that can be used year-round are encouraged.

 

Monetary Donations:

 

• At checkout: Add $2 via donation cards or round up your total at self-checkout

• In-store: Drop coins into the Wishing Tree collection boxes

• Online: Scan the in-store QR code or donate via the Appeal website

 

 

 

About us:

About the Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal

Now in its 32^nd  year, the Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal is New Zealand’s largest and longest-running gift collection drive. Since its inception, over 14 million gifts have been distributed to families in need, with the support of The Salvation Army and Kmart customers nationwide. 

 

About The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army is an international not-for-profit organisation supporting New Zealanders facing hardship, from homelessness and family violence to natural disasters and addiction. The Salvation Army offer inclusive, wraparound care and help communities build positive, empowered futures.

Contact details:

Rachael Koh

[email protected]