Bayfair tree is a NZ first

Bayfair shoppers will be rockin' around the Christmas tree in more ways than one this year, with the shopping centre installing a people-powered tree to push energy sustainability.

In a New Zealand first, the Mount Maunganui shopping centre will have the kinetic based tree from Saturday through to December 3, with shopper's Christmas dance moves lighting up the tree.


The Pavegen kinetic based Christmas tree in a shopping centre overseas. Photo: Supplied.

Teaming up with Pavegen, an innovative clean tech company, the special flooring converts kinetic energy from human steps into renewable electricity.

Bayfair Shopping Centre marketing manager Kylie McGregor says it is a fun and innovative way to get shoppers involved as well as pushing the centre's leading sustainability initiatives.

'The idea came from our continued sustainability message and just educating the community on what can be done to save power,” says Kylie.

In the past the shopping centre has recycled rain water and pitted Dame Susan Devoy and Tauranga MP Simon Bridges against each other in a glass squash court.

Kylie says while people dance on the kinetic pads the Christmas tree will light up brighter along with storing additional energy at the same time.

A Christmas playlist will play throughout the tress installation, but people keen to show their dances moves to their favourite Christmas tunes can make a request.

There is also rewards for those who generate the most power with their dance moves.

'We envisage a few dance groups coming in and giving it a go,” adds Kylie.

'We hope to get Santa getting jolly down there as well on Saturday as it's his first day at Bayfair.”

To mark Saturday's installation Bayfair is hosting a premiere party from 11am with dancing groups, one all-boys group plus two all-girls groups performing to mark the stage officially open.

The technology has been used at internationally recognized events such as the 2012 Olympics in London and at 2012's WWF ‘Earth Hour'.

The 4x4m tiled floor and light up Christmas tree will be stationed at Bayfair from Saturday.

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