Jubilee Tree Fit for The Queen

Published on 08 June 2022

On Tuesday 7 June, the Waitaki District Libraries Team, alongside the Parks and Recreation team planted a Southern Rata at the Ōamaru Public Gardens to commemorate the 70^th Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II.

Library Assistant, Eileen Armstrong proposed the idea of planting the tree. “I thought it was something the Queen would like, especially because of her service to the environment. She serves, as does the library team so we wanted to acknowledge that”.

Serving since 1952, Queen Elizabeth II is the longest reigning monarch, surpassing her great great grandmother Queen Victoria seven years ago during her 63^rd year.

The Queen visited the region during the Royal Visit of 1953-54, arriving in Ōamaru by train on Monday 25^th January 1954 for a public welcome. The same day, Her Majesty continued on to Palmerston for another public welcome before finishing her day in Dunedin.

“The Southern Rata has a beautiful colour and we wanted to choose a long serving regal tree” said Eileen. The Southern Rata is known for its red flowers in summer and can grow to around 15 metres tall.

Many Southern Rata can already be enjoyed around Lookout Point in Ōamaru and we are thrilled to add another native to the Ōamaru Public Gardens.

The Waitaki District Libraries Team are also running a competition – Guess what the Queen has in her handbag. Entries close at 5pm on Friday 10 June so get your entry in before putting your feet up for a nice cup of tea.