NZDF staff prepare for a 21-gun salute to mark the coronation of King Charles III, at Wellington's Point Jerningham. Photo: Soumya Bhamidipati / 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.
Wellington mayor Tory Whanau planted a tōtara sapling at the Botanic Gardens on Saturday. Photo: Facebook / Tory Whanau
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.
King Charles waves from the Buckingham Palace balcony following his coronation. Photo: OLI SCARFF / AFP
Last week, Prime Minister Chris Hipkins began the initiative by planting a tōtara sapling on Parliament grounds.
Polin and Tim Lamb went to watch the salute to mark the King's coronation in Wellington. Photo: RNZ / Soumya Bhamidipati
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.
The New Zealand Defence Force mark the coronation of King Charles III with a 21-gun salute at Wellington's Point Jerningham. Photo: Soumya Bhamidipati / RNZ
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.
Defence Force members at Wellington's Point Jerningham. Photo: RNZ / Soumya Bhamidipati
