Kings Coronation tree planting event

Published on 24 April 2023

Waitaki District will be participating in marking the Coronation of His Majesty Charles III, King of New Zealand on Saturday 6 May 2023 with tree planting ceremonies across the country.

Waitaki District Mayor, Gary Kircher said, “King Charles III has long shown a commitment to conservation and sustainability, so the government’s advice to all Councils has been to mark the occasion by planting trees. But rather than just having one tree for the district, we have decided to provide trees and plaques for three of our communities as we acknowledge New Zealand’s ongoing relationship with the monarchy.”

Alongside over fifty local plantings happening nationwide, three trees will be planted in Waitaki at the Ōamaru Public Gardens front lawn, Centennial Park Palmerston, and the Ōmārama Memorial Hall in Ahuriri. Ceremonial plaques will also be installed. The North Otago Highland Pipe Band will be playing at the Ōamaru Service.

10am, Saturday 6 May, Ōmārama Memorial Hall, Deputy Mayor Hana Halalele will be in attendance
10am, Saturday 6 May, Ōamaru Public Gardens front lawn, Mayor Gary Kircher will be in attendance
11am, Saturday 6 May, Centennial Park Palmerston, Mayor Gary Kircher will be in attendance

Council’s Parks team have ordered native trees from Blueskin Nursery. A kauri will be planted in Ōamaru and a totara for both Palmerston and Ahuriri.

Photos from Waitaki’s planting ceremonies will be displayed during the national ceremonial event hosted by the Deputy Prime Minister in Auckland on 7 May.

GPS details from all tree plantings nationwide will be added to a webpage created following the events so members of the public will be able to find the Kings trees for years to come and provide a lasting reminder of the importance of the monarchy in New Zealand.

Prince Charles acceded to the throne on 8 September 2022, upon the death of Queen Elizabeth II who had reigned for 70 years, the longest of any British monarch.

ENDS