Man charged after suspicious fire damages Timaru Christmas tree

Friday 12 December 2025 · 3 outlets · 3 reports · updated Fri 12 Dec 2025, 12:04pm

In this story Timaru District Council

A man has been charged with deliberately setting fire to Timaru's public Christmas tree at Caroline Bay Piazza. Emergency services attended the blaze early Friday morning, which caused significant damage to the structure. The Timaru District Council has stated the tree will not be replaced.

How they headlined it

8:27am12:04pm

1. 1NewsFri 12 Dec 2025, 8:27am

   Man arrested after 'significant fire damage' to Timaru's Xmas tree (opens in new tab)

2. NZ HeraldFri 12 Dec 2025, 9:08am

   Timaru Christmas tree fire at Caroline Bay treated as suspicious, man arrested (opens in new tab)

3. RNZFri 12 Dec 2025, 12:04pm

   Timaru's Christmas tree set on fire, won't be replaced (opens in new tab)