Key to the City

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.

Roll of Honour 

	Rt Hon Jonathan Hunt MP Awarded 15 September 2005 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 the late 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 was 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.