A humble lemon tree has been the subject of a special service and blessing led by a pair of bishops and ministers from opposite ends of the earth.
This, however, was no ordinary lemon tree but one thought to be descended from the first fruit trees planted at New Zealand's first European settlement, founded in the northern Bay of Islands 200 years ago.
In 2009 Eric Hansen of Ruakaka rediscovered a lemon tree near the site of Rangihoua Mission Station, established by the Rev Samuel Marsden in 1814 under the protection of Chief Ruatara.
The tree is thought to have been planted by, or at least descended from trees planted by the mission station's original settlers, who include Mr Hansen's ancestors.
Cuttings have since been propagated with young trees distributed to family members and planted at significant sites such the grounds of Kemp House in Kerikeri.