The days left to vote for Waianakarua’s famous “Chook Tree” as New Zealand’s Tree of the Year 2025 are dwindling.

The tree is one of six to have made it into the final round of the national competition, after being anonymously nominated by a fan. Voting closes on Monday (June 30).

Waitaki Mayor Gary Kircher is urging the district to get behind the sculpted conifer.

“Waitaki’s got something truly eggstra special in this year’s national Tree of the Year competition – a tree shaped like a chicken, right here in Waianakarua,” he says.

“It’s quirky, it’s iconic, and it’s got the whole district clucking with pride.”

New Zealand Tree of the Year is in its fourth year.

Trustee of the New Zealand Notable Trees Trust, Brad Cadwallader, says when they select trees, judges consider the stories associated with them and how people connect with them.

"We try to ensure regional representation across the country and a mix of exotic and native trees where possible. Importantly, Tree of the Year is about an individual tree, not a species like oak or pōhutukawa."

The competition shares stories of trees that hold cultural, historical, and personal significance, drawing inspiration from the long-running European Tree of the Year, he says.

"The heart of the competition lies in community engagement.

“These trees are part of our shared story - they hold our memories, mark our histories, and shape our landscapes. Tree of the Year is about celebrating that connection and recognising the communities who care for them.”

The winner will be announced next Saturday (July 5).

The Chook Tree stands out from the other competitors for obvious reasons.

Positioned along State Highway 1 near Wainakarua, it’s almost impossible to miss. Also, it weirdly resembles a giant hen, and thirdly, (also weirdly) there is a strategically placed Moeraki boulder “egg” under its tail feathers.

You might be surprised (or not) to learn the tree wasn’t born that way.

The Hespercyparis macrocarpa suffered some broken branches in stormy weather back in 1978, which left it looking uncannily chicken-like.  

Local poultry farmers Norman and Evelyn Clarke saw its potential for their business, and carefully pruned it into the bird it is today.

The unusual roadside attraction has been capturing the imagination of passersby for close to 50 years. 

The Chook Tree (NZ Tree Register number OR/0578) is a reminder of creativity, resilience, and the charm of the unexpected, according to the Tree of the Year website.

The Fairy Tree, a Morton Bay Fig in Auckland Domain, is cool, but not as cool as the Chook Tree. Photo: Supplied/Tree of the Year website

Other trees in the running for taking out top spot are the Fairy Tree in Auckland Domain, the Phantom Rātā at Makiti Dome, Bay of Plenty, the Greytown Gum, at St Luke’s Church, Greytown, the Rangiora Borough School Redwood, at Rangiora Borough School, Canterbury and Te Herenga Ora, at Burnside High School, Christchurch.

Although all naturally spectacular in their own ways, none of them is as unnaturally spectacular as the Chook Tree.

The finalists were chosen by an expert panel, who looked at hundreds of nominations, before whittling them down to six trees to represent regions across the country.

"​Tree of the Year is not about the biggest or most beautiful tree, but about the stories and heritage that connects us to our trees. It’s about celebrating the trees that play an important part in our lives, our history and our future,” the website says.

Gary urges Waitaki to get the Chook Tree over the line.

“Let’s not let this feathered favourite go unnoticed – get your vote in now!”

Visit the Tree of the Year website to vote.