Hamilton to mark Queen's Diamond Jubilee

Hamilton residents are being invited during the coming week to commemorate Her Majesty The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee by signing a special celebratory card.

The specially designed card will be available for signing during business hours (8am – 4.45pm) from today (1 June) through to Friday 8 June in the lobby of Council’s Municipal Building in Garden Place. The Municipal Building is not open during the weekend or on the Queen’s Birthday public holiday on Monday.

The card contains a commemorative message from Hamilton Mayor Julie Hardaker on behalf of the city, to mark the Queen’s 60 years as Sovereign since 6 February 1952.

Commenting Mayor Hardaker said: “Her Majesty the Queen has been our nation’s Sovereign for 60 years, and it is fitting as a city we mark this occasion by congratulating the Queen with a commemorative card from our city.

“The Queen has a number of connections to Hamilton having visited Claudelands show grounds, Hamilton Rose Gardens, Te Rapa Race Course, and opened the then Centennial Pool at Te Rapa during her four visits to our city.

“I invite those who would like to sign this special card, which we will send to the Queen, or pass on to the Prince of Wales when he and the Duchess of Cornwall visit New Zealand in November to officially mark the Diamond Jubilee.”


Notes to editors:

Visits by the Queen to Hamilton:

• December 30 & 31, 1953 – Civic dinner and youth fiesta, Civic reception, including first signing of Council visitor book, visit to Claudelands Show Grounds for agricultural display

• February 8, 1974 – Visit to Hamilton Rose Gardens and walkabout

• February 23, 1977 – Victoria St walkabout, attended racing at Te Rapa Race Course

• October 19, 1981 - Royal procession through Victoria St, Queen opened Hamilton Centennial Pool complex, Te Rapa