Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro says the Queen had an abiding interest in developments in New Zealand and a strong affection for this country and its people.
Watch the Governor-General speak below:
Queen Elizabeth II has died at Balmoral, aged 96, after reigning for 70 years. With her death, Charles, the former Prince of Wales, has become King and head of state for the Commonwealth realms.
Earlier today, Dame Cindy said the Queen was a great champion of the Commonwealth, and many in New Zealand would be reflecting on her achievements.
"As Queen of New Zealand for 70 years, Her Majesty was an honoured monarch and an enduring presence through times of great change," Dame Cindy said in a statement this morning.
"The Queen will be remembered for her dedication to all her Realms and her commitment to play a unifying role in the Commonwealth."
Follow latest updates on reaction to the death of the Queen:
There would be a memorial service in New Zealand, military salutes, condolence books will be opened and sites made available for tributes, she said.
The Governor-General had written to the new King on behalf of all New Zealanders expressing the condolences of the nation.
2 comments
Sorry to lose her.
Posted on 09-09-2022 12:46 | By morepork
In my reckless youth I was a republican, and believed monarchy was an unnecessary frippery for NZ. Some years later I found myself living in Buckingham Gate in London. I drank and played music at the local pub (The Colonies) where many of the Palace staff also frequented and there were some passionate discussions about the role of Royalty. Slowly, I began to see more, and my attitude softened. There ARE some advantages to a Monarchy (as opposed to a Republic) but they are subtle and not easily seen from a distance. Whatever your position on it, we can all agree that Queen Elizabeth was worthy of our respect (and affection). She was forced into a position that she never asked for, and she did her duty through war and peace unfailingly. Looking at the monarchs of England, she was outstanding. We won't see her like again.
Maybe the end of an era.
Posted on 09-09-2022 12:55 | By morepork
The Queen's passing may mark the ending of an era. The values she was raised on (duty, respect, and honor) are no longer "fashionable" and the whole Question of Monarchy in the modern world is entirely debatable. Perhaps the whole question of whether we should be a Republic should be raised and examined publicly. It would have huge repercussions on the Treaty of Waitangi, and that might also be a good thing for all of us. Perhaps a new Constitution, based on the aspirations of a diverse society, with the fundamental principles of true equality for all, could be a way to unify and solidify our nation. Now might be a good time to think about this...
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