State Memorial Service will also be held in Wellington
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Wellington, September 12, 2022
New Zealand will mark the passing of Queen Elizabeth II with a State Memorial Service and one-off public holiday on Monday, 26 September, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has announced.
”As New Zealand’s Queen and much loved Sovereign for over 70 years, it is appropriate that we mark her life of dedicated public service with a State Memorial Service and a one-off public holiday. Queen Elizabeth II was an extraordinary person and I know many New Zealanders will appreciate the opportunity to both mark her death and celebrate her life,” she said.
Ms Ardern said that the State Memorial Service will be held in the Wellington Cathedral of St Paul on the same day and will be televised and live streamed.
“I know that many people will want the opportunity to pay their respects and the public holiday offers communities around the country the ability to come together and pay tribute at local events also. The decision to hold a one-off Public Holiday in the Queen’s honour is also in line with UK and Australia and is in keeping with what is a historic event,” Ms Ardern said.
Ms Ardern said that she had consulted all political parties in this connection.
One-off holiday
“The Public Holiday will be called Queen Elizabeth II Memorial Day and legislation will be passed next week. Normal Public Holiday requirements under the Holidays Act will apply. This will be a one-off holiday held on 26 September 2022 only,” she said.
Ms Ardern also confirmed she will represent New Zealand, alongside the Governor General, at the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II in London. The Prime Minister will depart New Zealand on Wednesday 14 September.
Following the Queen’s funeral, the Prime Minister will fly to New York for the United Nations General Assembly on the evening of Monday 19 September and resume her programme for the week there, including co-hosting the Christchurch Call Summit alongside French President Emmanuel Macron and delivering New Zealand’s national statement.
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