The original Invercargill Botanical Gardens were what is now known as the Otepuni Gardens. The tradition of tree planting was borrowed from America where it was well-established. Southland’s first Arbor Day may have been the one held about June 14, 1886. Between 1892 and 1914 schools and Government departments observed Arbor Day, at various dates in winter and spring. Fortunately, the rope tied to a tree ashore held and the inflatable dinghies cushioned the yacht from impact with the rocks.

Source: New Zealand Herald June 16, 2023 17:03 UTC