​Coronation recognised in Clutha District

The Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla is being recognised in the Clutha District with a tree commemorative tree planting.

Mayor Bryan Cadogan and Councillors will plant a kōwhai tree and a commemorative plaque will be installed at the Council’s Rosebank office on 4 May, a couple of days before the coronation which will take place at Westminster Abbey on Saturday 6 May (10pm on Saturday NZT).

Mayor Cadogan says, “This is a moment in history and it’s an important occasion for New Zealand to mark as part of the Commonwealth.”

Native trees are being planted around New Zealand to commemorate the coronation – a living legacy for people to enjoy, and an action that aligns with King Charles’s lifelong interest in environmental conservation.

“We chose to plant a kōwhai – our unofficial national flower - because in the Clutha District it is the tree we give to new citizens at our citizenship ceremonies.”

The coronation service will reflect the King’s role today and look towards the future, while being rooted in longstanding traditions and pageantry.

The district’s community libraries will be recognising the occasion as well. People can watch the coronation at Balclutha Library (by request) or at Lawrence Library on Monday 8 May at 2pm. The Tapanui, Owaka, Milton and Balclutha Community Libraries and Balclutha iSITE will have royal displays.