The pin oak outside St Luke's Church in Havelock North is believed to have been planted around 1890. However, historical sources provide conflicting information regarding its planting, attributing it to different individuals.

The Dictionary of New Zealand Biography states that Thomas Tanner, a prominent early settler and key benefactor of St Luke's Church, was responsible for planting many trees in the Hastings and Havelock North areas. According to this account, the pin oak is referred to as "Tanner’s Oak."[1]

Conversely, "Saint Luke’s Story 125 Years – 1874-1999" by Philippa Chambers attributes the planting of the tree to J.H. Williams around 1890.[2]

Given these differing accounts, the exact individual responsible for planting the pin oak remains uncertain. Both Thomas Tanner and J.H. Williams were influential figures in the community at the time, and it is possible that historical records have attributed the planting to both over time (Hill, R.N., 2025).

References
[1] www.teara.govt.nz - Tanner's Oak
[2] knowledgebank.org.nz