From mermaids lying in tree branches, to hammer head sharks drifting down trunks, Greerton Village trees have once again been garlanded with artistic and vibrant woollen creations.

The yarnbombing theme for this year's annual winter celebration is ‘Waterways of the World – Ngā ara wai o te Ao'.

'This theme allows us to celebrate and be inspired by our waterways,” says Greerton Village Mainstreet manager Mahia Martelli.

Mahia, who came into her new role earlier this year, says Waterways of the World recognises local iwi of Tauranga Moana - the seas of Tauranga – which are Ngāti Ranginui, Ngāi Te Rangi and Ngāti Pūkenga.

Wendy Pedersen from Ninja Knits with their tree, raising funds for The Incubator. Photo: Rosalie Liddle Crawford.

This year locals and yarn bombers from around the country and one from the UK have participated, with Ray White Greerton and Greerton Village Community Association sponsoring prizes.

Everyone is encouraged to pop into the village and vote for their favourite tree with three main categories to vote for – schools, general public, and the new category – sustainability.

Marilyn Mouat with her creation, raising funds for Riding for the Disabled. Photo: Rosalie Liddle Crawford.

The tree with the most votes in each category will receive $500 towards their nominated charity.

'This year we have the sustainability award for our crafters and artists who have been able to repurpose works they've made in previous years,” says Greerton Village Yarnbombing coordinator Chrissy St Amant.

Tia O'Reilly with Tauranga Girls' College Deputy Principal Kylie Valentine and the Tauranga Girls' College tree, for Youthline. Photo: Rosalie Liddle Crawford.

Manual voting is available at MD's Leatherworks, Robyn's Cottage, Red Cross Shop, Ray White Greerton, Greerton Lotto and Waipuna Hospice Shop. Online voting is also possible.

Many trees are displaying QR codes.

'This is an additional way for you to help the crafters raise funds for their individual charities. Just scan your phone over the QR code and follow the link online to their Givealittle page.”

‘Yarny Friends' Linda Rookes and Sue Miles with their tree for Alzheimer's Tauranga/BOP and I am Hope Foundation. Photo: Rosalie Liddle Crawford.

Voting closes at 10am on Thursday, August 3, with the winners made public on the Greerton Village and the Greerton Community Yarn Bombing Facebook pages on Monday, August 14.

Chrissy, who has taken over the reins of running the yarnbombing for the first time this year, has crocheted up nine Matariki stars which will be hiding in shop windows.

'You find them, scan in the QR code and go in the draw to win $200 to spend in Greerton Village.”

One of the knitted creations in the cherry blossom trees of Greerton Village. Photo: Rosalie Liddle Crawford.

'It has been a pleasure to work alongside Chrissy for this year's Yarn Bomb event,” says Mahia. 'We are both newbies so it has been an exciting experience.”

Mahia says the yarn bombing has been given an extra lift with the introduction of Christmas lights to help give Greerton Village vibrancy.

'It gets dark early in winter so the lights will hopefully bring a little bit of cheer.”

To vote for your favourite tree head to Greerton Village or vote online here

One of the knitted creations in the cherry blossom trees of Greerton Village. Photo: Rosalie Liddle Crawford.

One of the knitted creations in the cherry blossom trees of Greerton Village. Photo: Rosalie Liddle Crawford.