The granting of the Key to the City is a symbolic presentation which
represents the highest honour that Waitakere City can confer on an individual or
an organisation. The tradition of using a key dates back to medieval times, when
many cities were enclosed within walled fortifications. The key symbolised the
political relationship between a city and the king or ruler of the land on which
the city was located. When that ruler visited the city for the first time, after
assuming power, the authorities would formally greet him at the gates and hand
over a key to signify that the city was now under his control. The key would
then be returned by the ruler to the city authorities to acknowledge that he
intended to respect the political authority of those who administered the city.
The Key to Waitakere City is traditionally presented by the
Mayor at a Civic
Ceremony to acknowledge the contribution of an individual or organisation in
furthering the ideals of the City, or to recognise outstanding achievement in
sport or humanitarian work at an international level.
The Key To The City and a photo of Karekare Beach was presented to the
Rt Hon Jonathon Hunt MP at parliament in recognition of his dedication,
service and contribution to the community of Waitakere City in the field
of Politics.
Sir Tom Clark
Awarded 21 February 2005
The Key To The City was presented to the late Sir Tom Clark in recognition of his
entrepreneurship in the field of ceramics, the founding of the highly
successful Crown Lynn Pottery Company and the equally successful Ceramco.
Mr Lance Reid, Piha RSA
Awarded 25 August 2004
The Key To The Coast and a photo of Piha Beach was presented to Mr
Lance Reid in recognition of his service to the community of Piha and in
particular as President of the Piha Returned Services Association (RSA).
Mr Graham Douglas
Awarded 26 June 2004
The Key To The City and a photo of The Trusts Stadium was presented
to Mr Graham Douglas at the opening of the Douglas Track and Field at
The Trusts Stadium, to honour his very generous financial contributions
to the City that will ensure extremely successful events will be
undertaken in the future.
Mr Seiichi Kinoshita
Awarded 3 February 2003
The Key to the City and Honorary Citizenship of Waitakere City was
bestowed upon Mr Kinoshita in recognition of his tireless support and
leadership while Mayor of Kakogawa City, Japan that built the foundation
for a very successful Sister City Relationship between Kakogawa and
Waitakere.
Mr Michael (Mick) Shanahan,
OBE
Awarded 25 August 2002
The Key to the City was presented to the late Mr Mick Shanahan for his service
to the community in the field of law. Mr Shanahan opened the first law
office in the suburb of New Lynn in 1956 where he practiced until
December 2004.
Mrs Maureen Brooker,
MNZM, JP
Awarded 29 August 2001
The Key to the City was presented to Mrs Maureen Brooker as a tribute
of her significant and long standing contribution to the progress of
Waitakere City over many years as a Local Body and Regional Councillor
Waitakere City Brass Band
Awarded 25 October 2000
The Key to the City was presented to Waitakere City Brass Band in
recognition of the Band’s service to the City as Musical Ambassadors.
Waitakere City Association Football Club
Awarded 26 October 1996
The Key to the City was presented to the Waitakere City Association
Football Club in recognition of the club winning the prestigious Chatham
Cup 3 consecutive years 1994/95/96.
Sir Bob Geldof
Awarded 29 February 1988
The Key to the City as presented to Sir Bob Geldof at a concert held
at Central Park Stadium (now known as the Douglas Track and Field at The
Trusts Stadium) in recognition of his service to humanity with the Band
Aid project and the Live Aid Concert and Sport Aid in 1986.
Freedom of Entry
Freedom of Entry to
Waitakere City is a ceremonial honour which became popular during the nineteenth
century and draws some inspiration from medieval history. A military or civilian
unit accorded this privilege is granted the right of entry to the city "with
bayonets fixed, colours flying and drums beating".
Freedom of Entry to Waitakere
City has been granted to the Royal New Zealand Air Force (Whenuapai Base) which
has, through their command, a significant attachment to the City. It is
conferred in recognition of their achievement while on active service and
overseas duty and as a mark of respect and gratitude for their efforts in the
defence of New Zealand.
Freedom of Entry to Waitakere City is celebrated from
time to time with a Charter Parade through the city streets and the presentation
of a scroll and the flag of the City. A Charter Parade may be held in
conjunction with some other celebration. The last such parade was held on 11th
November 2005 in celebration of Armistice Day.
Freedom of Entry to
Waitakere City is a ceremonial honour which became popular during the nineteenth
century and draws some inspiration from medieval history. A military or civilian
unit accorded this privilege is granted the right of entry to the city "with
bayonets fixed, colours flying and drums beating".