Trees fit for a king, queen

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Northern Outlook

From local democracy reporter Brendon McMahon:

The Waimakariri District Council will plant trees this Saturday to mark the passing of Queen Elizabeth II and the ascension of King Charles III.

Tree planting will take place in each of the main towns across the district: Oxford, Rangiora, Woodend and Kaiapoi.

Mayor Dan Gordon said the plantings would provide an opportunity for the whole district to come together and pay their respects.

‘‘We received many queries and requests from people as to how we were going to commemorate the passing of the Queen and the ascension of the King.

‘‘We have decided not to hold a formal memorial, but instead to undertake a tree planting for both.

‘‘The Queen was an avid lover of the outdoors and the King is a very passionate advocate of the environment, so we felt it fitting to plant a tree in their honour.

Gordon said English oak trees had been chosen, which would provide a place for future generations to pay their respects.

Victoria Park in Rangiora was chosen as one location.

The park was named after the Queen’s great-great-grandmother, Queen Victoria.

In 2005 Queen Elizabeth II surpassed Queen Victoria as the longest reigning British Monarch in history.

Other locations included the Kaiapoi Domain, Woodend Recreation Reserve and Pearson Park in Oxford.

Gordon said the tree plantings were open to the public to attend.

‘‘We will be joined by the chairs of the four community boards in each location, where we will jointly plant the trees and unveil commemorative plaques.

"We welcome everyone to come along and join us on this special occasion.’’

■ Plantings for Queen Elizabeth II and King Charles III on Saturday, October 1:

- 9.30am, Pearson Park, Oxford.

- 12pm, Victoria Park, Rangiora.

- 2pm, Woodend Recreation Ground.

- 3.30pm, Kaiapoi Domain.

* Public interest journalism funded through NZ on Air.