What an incredible weekend in Hagley Park, Christchurch, for ITCC NZ.
The 2025 International Tree Climbing Championship (ITCC), presented by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) and hosted by New Zealand Arboriculture, saw over 90 of the world’s best climbers gather for what became the largest ITCC ever held. Across three sun-filled days, the event was a celebration of skill, strength, and passion for trees, with climbers and arborists from every corner of the globe coming together to share knowledge, cheer each other on, and push the limits of what’s possible in the canopy.
This year, Husqvarna proudly continued its role as a major global sponsor, supporting both the ITCC NZ and the ISA Conference. The Husqvarna Australia and New Zealand teams joined forces to ensure a strong presence across both events, connecting with the arborist community, celebrating world-class talent, and showcasing the brand’s ongoing commitment to those who dedicate their lives to caring for trees.
Ringing the bells
A standout feature of the weekend was seeing six Husqvarna H-Team ambassadors out in full force, three competing at the highest level, and three volunteering behind the scenes to help make the event a success. Their passion and professionalism captured Husqvarna core beliefs: innovation, community, and a respect for nature.
Among the competitors, the legendary Jo Hedger from the UK – a six-time world champion – brought her trademark precision and power to the trees, inspiring both newcomers and veterans alike. Fellow H-Team climber Krista Strating from Canada, a world champion in her own right, once again demonstrated the grace and technical mastery that have made her one of the sport’s most admired climbers. Rounding out the trio, Jamie Boston from Australia, currently ranked fifth in the world, showed why he continues to be one of the most consistent and exciting athletes on the circuit. Together, their performances were a reminder of how dedication and love for the craft can elevate the sport to new heights.
Ground support
Supporting them from the ground, and often up in the canopy lending a hand, were three more H Team ambassadors who volunteered their time to help the event run smoothly: Peter Vergote from Berlin, Scott Forrest from New Zealand, and Kiah Martin from Australia.
From judging events to assisting climbers and helping with setup, these ambassadors embodied the teamwork and community spirit that make the ITCC such a special gathering each year.
New equipment
Adding to the excitement, Husqvarna showcased two soon-to-be-released chainsaws set to launch globally: the 564 XP® fuel-injected chainsaw, designed for power, efficiency, and reliability; and the 550i XP®, Husqvarna’s largest battery-powered chainsaw to date. Event attendees had the chance to see these machines up close, explore their capabilities, and experience firsthand how Husqvarna continues to push the boundaries of performance for professional arborists.
Community
As the sun set over Christchurch, one thing was clear: this wasn’t just a competition. It was a celebration of everything that makes the arborist world so unique. From breathtaking climbs to the friendships forged between competitors, volunteers, and spectators, the 2025 ITCC was a reminder of how much passion drives this global community.
For Husqvarna, supporting events like the ITCC NZ isn’t just about sponsorship. It’s about standing alongside the people who shape the canopy of the tree-care world.
Scan the QR code to view the event showreel.
For more information on Husqvarna’s support for climbers, visit husqvarna.com/au.