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Tuvalu Ceremonial Tree Planting

Group of male dignitaries stand at lookout in front of video camera, recording an interview
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Traditional Custodian Wally Bell speaking to delegation
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Tuvalu delegate presenting Traditional Custodian with an intricate traditional necklace made of shells
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Tuvalu delegation digging into the soft soil, and then watering in young sapling tree together
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Brendan Smyth, Commissioner for International Engagement, removing ceremonial red cloth from stone plaque, as he Honourable Feleti Penitala Teo, Prime Minister of Tuvalu and The Honourable Paulson Panapa, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Tuvalu applaud nearby
5 Revealing the Plaque.jpg
Four men stand together for photos, with grassy hills and established forests in the background
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Small stone plaque with a brass metal faceplate, recording the details of the tree, date and delegation present for the ceremonial tree planting
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Expansive view of the landscaped tiers of the arboretum, where cermonial tree plantings take place, with the new tree in the centre
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On Monday 28 July 2025, the National Arboretum Canberra was honoured to host a ceremonial tree planting with The Honourable Feleti Penitala Teo, Prime Minister of Tuvalu, and The Honourable Paulson Panapa, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Tuvalu.

Welcomed at Dairy Farmers Hill by Brendan Smyth, Commissioner for International Engagement, and Stuart Jeffress, Executive Branch Manager of the National Arboretum Canberra, the delegation received a brief overview of the Arboretum’s significance and history, before proceeding to the Central Valley for the planting.

Traditional Custodian Wally Bell opened proceedings acknowledging the Ngunnawal people as custodians of the ACT and used clapsticks to welcome spirits of the land to join the delegation.

“…the sprits of the land will now look after you as you are walking around on Country...” - Traditional Custodian, Wally Bell

The Commissioner spoke of the Arboretum’s role as a place of international connection, with over sixty ceremonial trees planted by dignitaries from around the world. He noted that Tuvalu’s tree would now stand among them as a lasting tribute to the deepening ties between the two nations. The Prime Minister responded warmly, expressing appreciation for the welcome and the opportunity to contribute to the Arboretum’s living legacy.

The Prime Minister and Minister were then both offered a ceremonial shovel and watering can, where they turned the sod of soil over onto the tree and watered it.

The tree planted was an Arbutus canariensis (Canary madrone), a rare evergreen known for its orange bark and strawberry-like fruit. This species was chosen to symbolise the enduring friendship between Tuvalu and Australia, and the shared commitment to environmental stewardship and regional cooperation.

Following the planting, the Prime Minister presented Mr Bell with a gift of a traditional fan and a Tui (traditional necklace). Both the Prime Minister and Minister signed the Guest Book before concluding the ceremony with a photo opportunity and a walk through the Central Valley.

This special event coincided with the opening of Tuvalu’s High Commission in Canberra, further highlighting the growing relationship between Tuvalu and Australia. The National Arboretum Canberra is proud to be part of this historic moment and looks forward to welcoming future visitors from Tuvalu and beyond.