Native tree plantings, gun salutes: How New Zealand marked King Charles III's coronation

NZDF staff prepare for a 21-gun salute to mark the coronation of King Charles III, at Wellington's Point Jerningham.
NZDF staff prepare for a 21-gun salute to mark the coronation of King Charles III, at Wellington's Point Jerningham. Photo credit: Supplied via RNZ

RNZ

A series of native tree plantings for King Charles' coronation is being celebrated with a national event at Pukekawa, the Auckland Domain, today.

They are among dozens of plantings taking place around the country this weekend - a gift from the government in honor of the Coronation.

The government has donated $1 million to plant native trees throughout the country for He Rā Rākau Tītapu - the King Charles III Coronation Plantings.

Over the next year, 100,000 trees will be planted throughout the motu as part of the project.

The initiative is led by Trees That Count in partnership with the Department of Conservation and volunteers.

Acting Prime Minister Carmel Sepuloni will be attending the event at Auckland Domain.

In Wellington, Mayor Tory Whanau planted a tōtara sapling at the Botanic Gardens on Saturday afternoon to mark the coronation.

On social media, Whanau said: "I do love a chance to get out in our green spaces - and today I got to plant a tree as well.

"Marking today's Coronation with a quiet tribute to nature feels right to me. Aroha to you all."

Christchurch mayor Phil Mauger was also planting a commemorative tree at the Botanic Gardens this weekend.

Last week, Prime Minister Chris Hipkins began the initiative by planting a tōtara sapling on Parliament ground.

The New Zealand Defence Force will mark the coronation of King Charles III with two 21-gun salutes at midday today.

The Army's 16th Field Regiment was firing one of the salutes from Wellington's Point Jerningham, near Evans Bay, using four 25-pounder guns.

Another salute was being fired from the Devonport Naval Base in Auckland.

It comes after 20 New Zealand Defence personnel marched through central London yesterday as part of the coronation celebrations.

A New Zealand Air Force airman who represented the country as a flag-bearer for the coronation said it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Sergeant Hayden Smith said it felt surreal walking into Westminster Abbey, given the scale of the event and the calibre of people attending.

He said he had to maintain his discipline and concentrate on his duties.

A 20-strong New Zealand contingent marched with more than 7000 personnel from 40 nations between Westminster Abbey and Buckingham Palace.

It included two who marched alongside the Gold State Coach returning King Charles and Queen Camilla to the Palace.

RNZ