It will be a no frills coronation for King Charles III on May 6 in Invercargill, after the council agreed to just a simple tree planting ceremony.

Despite it being the first Coronation of a Monarch in 70 years, councillors decided not to host many dignitaries and have entertainment – but it will be open to the public in Queen’s Park.

One option the ICC put to council was to have an MC and entertainer singing the national anthem and God Save the King, as well as provide refreshments.

A report from Michael Morris – Manager Governance, said the Department of Internal Affairs is co-ordinating a plan across New Zealand, and has written to each council and provided guidance on tree planting options, as requested by the King.

Mayor Nobby Clark said while there were ongoing debates between royalists and those wanted to become an independent republic, “we have to open it up to those who want to respect the coronation,” he said.

A special tree would be planted by the Mayor and Kaumātua and those invited would include councillors, mana whenua representatives and the Bluff Community Board.

Kaumātua and representatives of Waihōpai Rūnaka and Te Rūnanga o Awarua, the local members of parliament, and the chief executive / chair of the Southland councils would also be part of the ‘low key’ event.  It would also be advertised to the general public.

Queens Park has been identified as a suitable location for the planting of a tree, and that the tree will be indigenous to the Southland area.  A plaque has also been commissioned to be displayed by the tree.

Cr Trish Boyle said with the inclusion of the public, they can cater for all of those who would’ve been asked personally (such as local police and heads of departments), “but we’ve done so much to keep costs down,” she said.

The Visits and Ceremonial Office is hosting the main Coronation event in the Auckland Domain on May 7 at 1pm, which will include more extensive coverage.

The main event will include attendance by MPs, and both New Zealand’s national anthems will be played.

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