Clarke

"It's not unusual to see airborne departures from Wellington Airport, but in this case, it will be emotional for us," Wellington Airport chief executive Matt Clarke said in a statement.

"We're working with Wētā Workshop on some exciting plans for a unique, locally themed replacement to take their place," Mr Clarke said.

Edmonton evened things on Henrique’s deflection in traffic less than two minutes later but Clarke needed just 33 seconds to put the Kings back in front on a snap shot from inside the right circle.

Ms Clarke believes people sharing their blossom photos on social media has caused huge interest in the area of public parkland as a photo shoot destination.

One of those is Bethany Clarke, whose photographs of the trees on The Stray have appeared in national newspapers.