A silver fern gifted by the New Zealand Team is to take root at Glasgow Botanic Gardens as a lasting symbol of friendship between Glasgow and Aotearoa New Zealand during the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.
The fern was formally presented to the Lord Provost of Glasgow at Kibble Palace in the Botanic Gardens on day eight of competition of the Games, which is bringing athletes, teams, visitors and supporters from across the Commonwealth to Glasgow.
The gift was made by Te Kapa o Aotearoa, the New Zealand Team, whose New Zealand House has been based nearby at Òran Mór throughout the Games.
The fern and accompanying plaque recognises the warm welcome extended by Glasgow and create a legacy for residents and visitors to enjoy when visiting the iconic Victorian glasshouse.
The plaque reads:
‘During the Games, New Zealand House stood across the road at Òran Mór, where Glasgow welcomed us with warmth and generosity.
‘This fern stands as a living symbol of friendship, unity and shared pride between Aotearoa New Zealand and Scotland.
Ko Tātou Katoa – The Fern is All of Us.’
The fern is an Alsophila dealbata, also known as Cyathea dealbata or ponga, by the Maoris. The silver fern is deeply associated with New Zealand sporting teams and is recognised as a symbol of New Zealand national identity.
It has been planted in the centre of the Kibble Palace glasshouse, home to an internationally significant collection and the Plant Heritage UK National Collection of tree ferns, alongside existing silver ferns that have already grown to more than ten feet high.
Lord Provost of Glasgow, Cllr Jacqueline McLaren, said; “This is a thoughtful and generous gift from the New Zealand Team and a beautiful reminder of the friendships being formed in Glasgow through the Commonwealth Games.
“The silver fern will be a living legacy of these Games and of the warm relationship between Scotland and Aotearoa New Zealand.”
Nicki Nicol, CEO, New Zealand Olympic Committee, said; “This Silver Fern is a small gesture of thanks for the warmth and generosity Glasgow has shown the New Zealand Team throughout the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.
“We wanted to leave something lasting that reflects the friendship we’ve shared and the connections formed during our time here.
“As a symbol that is deeply important to New Zealanders, we hope this fern stands as a reminder of the bond between our nations and the New Zealand Team for many years to come.”
New Zealand have put in a solid performance during the Games with a tally of more than 20 medals so far before competition comes in an end today – Sunday 2 August.
