François Le Lievre — Christchurch, New Zealand
Posted by: 
Dunbar Loop
S 43° 31.696 E 172° 38.110
59G E 632133 N 5179220
François Le Lievre arrived in New Zealand in 1838 aboard a whaling ship. At Akaroa he planted weeping willow cuttings from Napoleon’s grave on the Island of St. Helena. Cuttings from the Akaroa willows were then planted here along the Avon River.
Waymark Code: WM8JA3
Location: South Island, New Zealand
Date Posted: 04/09/2010
Views: 8
The Weeping Willows of Christchurch
To Commemorate
FRANÇOIS LE LIEVRE
Who first came to New Zealand on the French whaling ship ‘Le Nil’ in 1838. After landing in Akaroa he planted weeping willow cuttings taken from Napoleon’s grave on the Island of St. Helena. There is strong evidence to suggest that the first willows planted on the banks of the Avon River grew from cuttings taken from these trees.
Erected by his great-great-granddaughter Marie Emily Le Lievre (Akaroa)
and the Christchurch City Council.
Unveiled by Councillor Sally Buck on 29th March 2001