Skip to main content

That Wānaka Tree

I was scrolling through my IG when one post caught my eye — a tree. Because the picture was so beautiful, I read the caption. It’s about a famous tree in NZ called the Wānaka Tree. So, I did some research, and here’s some interesting info.

A willow tree grows at the edge of Lake Wanaka, on the South Island of New Zealand. It may just be a tree, but it gained popularity among tourists due to its photographic appeal, with a mountainous backdrop and its stunning reflection in the water. Its fame soared when photographer Dennis Radermacher won the New Zealand Geographic Photograph of the Year in 2014.

It goes back to the 1930s when a farmer planted willow branches into the ground to make fence posts. It was meant to be just a fence post, part of a line to stop animals from wandering around the lake’s edge. But nature had other plans. That branch took root and grew into a tree.

Against all odds, and unbelievably, it is now one of the most photographed sights in New Zealand tourism and has gone viral on social media. It has gained worldwide attention with the hashtag #ThatWanakaTree on Instagram and TikTok.

Sadly, the tree has faced vandalism. In 2020, vandals cut off several lower branches, shocking locals and fans as it changed the tree’s iconic shape. Some visitors have scratched or carved initials and symbols into the tree's bark, causing damage to its surface. Tourists have been seen climbing or hanging from the tree’s branches for photos, which puts stress on the limbs and roots. Increased tourism has led to littering in the area, harming the environment around the tree and affecting the lake's ecosystem.

The community and officials called for respectful tourism and stronger protection for the tree. To mitigate this, local authorities and organizations have implemented measures like designated paths and warnings against touching or climbing the tree. Arborists periodically inspect the tree for signs of stress or disease, and take appropriate action when needed. 

So, if we one day visit New Zealand, we should do our part by keeping a distance, avoiding any physical contact, and leaving no trace behind. We should respect local customs and wildlife, letting nature’s beauty shine. At the end of the day, we get to experience its wonder and fully appreciate its charm.


Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular Posts

The Role of Writing in Cultivating Emotional Intelligence and Empathy

As we go through life and deal with all sorts of emotions, writing can be a really helpful way to pause and reflect. Putting things down on paper helps us make sense of how we’re feeling. That’s why in psychology, they always advise to engage in regular journaling or reflective writing, as it can help us process emotions, gain clarity, and develop a greater understanding of our thoughts and behaviours and invites individuals to explore their feelings without judgment. Journaling can serve as a personal outlet, allowing someone to vent about a tough day and process their emotions. Writing is more than just a way to express thoughts or share ideas. Whether it’s journaling, blogging, or even crafting a social media post, writing allows us to connect with ourselves and others on a deeper level. Writing is a great way to understand and manage on our feelings and share them, making it easier for us to express ourselves and connect with others. Blogging creates a sense of community, where wri...
Post a Comment
Read more

Decathlon giving back to community

 I recently attended a free Zumba class at the Decathlon PJ branch, which is part of their regular weekly activities that include Zumba, yoga, and more. These activities are often offered at a minimal fee, with occasional free classes for the community, perhaps once a month. The atmosphere was lively, with families playing ping pong and children riding small bikes within the venue, adding to the sense of community. This initiative by Decathlon is a fantastic example of how a business can give back to local residents while promoting a healthy and active lifestyle. I haven’t seen other sports retailers in Malaysia adopt a similar approach. While Decathlon remains a business, they’ve successfully integrated CSR activities by fostering a sports culture through the free or affordable use of their facilities, like badminton, basketball, and futsal courts in selected branches, including those in Selangor, Johor Bahru, and Penang. Classes like Zumba, Pound, and Yoga/Pilates are also availa...
Post a Comment
Read more

Can Non-Office Workers Burn Out Too?

 When we hear the word burnout, most of us picture someone in a corporate job, stuck in traffic every morning, glued to a screen all day, drowning in emails, meetings and work desk from 9 to 5. Sounds familiar, right? But here’s the thing. Burnout doesn’t care whether you’re in a fancy office or out in the field. In fact, people who don’t work in traditional office settings often face a different kind of pressure such as physical strain, unpredictable hours, emotional labour, or unstable income, and that can burn you out just as fast, if not faster. So let’s talk about other fields of work burnout, the kind that hits NGO field workers, delivery riders, retail staff, event crews, and freelancers. Because their stories relatable too. 1. NGO Field Officer  Lina has been working with a local humanitarian NGO for the past three years. Her role mainly involves community outreach in rural and underserved areas, Orang Asli villages, flood-affected zones, and low-income flats around Kl...
Post a Comment
Read more