About Us
Welcome to the Tree Shepherds
Our Mission: Spreading the Joy of Live Potted Christmas Trees in Tauranga and Beyond
In 2022, Steven and Kaitlin started Tree Shepherds because they didn’t want a plastic tree pretending to be festive, and were tired of cutting down trees for only a few weeks of enjoyment. Kaitlin wanted a living tree to welcome back each year, but with no garden space (and zero desire to keep a Christmas tree alive all year — joke’s now on them), they thought: why not rent one instead?
When they realized no one else in New Zealand was doing it, they decided to make it happen — so more families could celebrate with a tree that keeps growing and returning year after year.
At Tree Shepherds, our mission is to bring the joy of a live potted Christmas tree into every home in Tauranga and the wider Bay of Plenty during the festive season. We aim to provide families with Christmas trees that grow alongside the family, becoming cherished traditions that can be enjoyed year after year. Our commitment and business model go beyond creating lasting memories, we strive to build a sustainable business that harnesses the power of renewable resources, leaving a positive impact on our future for generations.
As Tree Shepherds grows in size, we plan to expand our range to New Zealand native trees that can be replanted in local reserves when they reach the end of their rental life. This approach helps us support healthier ecosystems while giving each tree a chance to thrive beyond the holiday season.