The Waitaki will be joining other districts around the country to mark the coronation of His Majesty King Charles III next Saturday (May 6), with three tree planting ceremonies.

Waitaki Mayor Gary Kircher said King Charles had a strong interest in conservation and sustainability, so the government’s advice to all councils was to mark the occasion by planting trees. 

“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,” he said.

The trees will be planted at the Ōamaru Public Gardens’ front lawn, Palmerston’s Centennial Park and the Ōmārama Memorial Hall. More than 50 similar plantings are taking place nationwide.

The Ōmārama and Ōamaru plantings will take place at 10am, and Palmerston at 11am. Ōamaru will receive a kauri, while a totara will go to Palmerston and Ōmārama. The trees are from Blueskin Nurseries at Waitati. 

The North Otago Highland Pipe Band will play at the Ōamaru service.

Photos from the Waitaki planting ceremonies will be displayed during a national ceremony, hosted by Deputy Prime Minister Carmel Sepuloni in Auckland, on May 7.

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 King’s 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 September 8, last year, upon the death of his mother Queen Elizabeth II who had reigned for 70 years, the longest of any British monarch.