Four native trees marking the coronation of a new monarch for New Zealand and a new chapter in history are now standing in Council reserves across Tauranga and the Western Bay of Plenty.

Tauranga City Council and Western Bay of Plenty District Council joined the nationwide effort of planting native trees to commemorate the coronation of His Majesty King Charles III this weekend.

A small group gathered at 10am on Saturday morning to plant a kauri tree at Tauranga Historic Village to commemorate the occasion.

The tree and a commemorative plaque overlook the Village Green. Photo: Tauranga City Council.

Commissioners Shadrach Rolleston and Bill Wasley hosted the planting.

On Saturday evening the Wharf Street lanterns were coloured purple to mark the coronation.

Kaumātua Tamati Tata of Ngāi Tamarāwaho speaking at the Tauranga planting. Photo: Tauranga City Council.

Western Bay of Plenty District Council also joined the national effort to plant native trees co-ordinated by the Department of Internal Affairs in celebration of the coronation of His Majesty Charles III, King of New Zealand.

Three native trees were planted in Council reserves across the Western Bay of Plenty.

A tītoki tree has been planted at Jubilee Park at Te Puke, a pūriri tree at Gerald Crapp Reserve in Ōmokoroa, and a kauri tree in Diggelmann Park in Katikati.

"The coronation of King Charles III is an historic occasion, and I am pleased that our District has the chance to be part of the celebrations," says Western Bay Mayor James Denyer.

'The King has long been an advocate of sustainability and conservation, and so planting native trees to mark the start of his reign is very fitting."

James says he 'wanted each part of our District to be involved, so there will be a tree planted in each of our three wards".

"Each native tree was chosen as being a species that will thrive in its new home.”

Over 45 plantings have been planned by councils across New Zealand over the weekend.

Following the coronation, the Governor-General will plant the final coronation tree at Government House in Wellington.

The Department of Internal Affairs are recording GPS locations for all tree plantings with plans to create a webpage allowing everyone to find the King's trees for years to come.

Catie Anderson and Sophie Maude sang a rendition of the New Zealand national anthem at the Tauranga Historic Village planting .Photo: Tauranga City Council.