Special Spade

A spade which helped establish a Taranaki treasure is part of the Puke Ariki Heritage Collection. This ceremonial spade, with a specially inscribed handle, was used by Jane Carrington to plant the first trees in the Recreation Ground, now Pukekura Park, on 29 May 1876. The first trees planted were an oak representing Britain, pūriri (New Zealand), Norfolk Island pine (the Pacific) and Monterey pine (the Americas). Guests at the official opening then continued the planting. The spade has been used in other commemorative plantings since, including the centennial in 1976, but it is now retired from active service.