One of New Zealand's longest running gift appeals has kicked the Christmas season off to a charitable start.
The 24th Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal was launched nationwide on Wednesday, encouraging people to put gifts under wishing trees in stores for the Salvation Army to distribute to families in need.
At the Hastings Kmart local singer Ariana Henare started festivities by serenading a crowd alongside enthusiastic groups Morgan Educare and Rezpect Dance Academy who staged pieces for the event.
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Kmart Hastings manager Jonathan Malone said the appeal had provided more than eight million gifts for deserving families over the years, and received fantastic support from the Hawke's Bay community.