It’s a public holiday and many municipal services are closed or have limited hours – and the cafes and shops are allowed to open, although some choose to close.
What has happened so far?
Queen Elizabeth II died on September 9 after a reign of 70 years, the longest of any British monarch, and her son Charles became king.
The Queen’s lavish and elaborate funeral a week ago in the UK drew hundreds of thousands to London to pay their respects.
A date for the coronation of King Charles III has not yet been set, but do not expect it until next year.
What is New Zealand doing today?
The cabinet announced the one-off holiday shortly after the death of the Queen.
The main event will be the official New Zealand memorial service at the Wellington Cathedral of St Paul at 2pm, which RNZ will stream live.
Governor General Dame Cindy Kiro will deliver a speech, while Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and a youth representative will give lectures. Acting Dean of St. Paul Reverend Katie Lawrence will lead the service.
A nationwide minute of silence will be held as the service begins at 2pm in honor of the Queen.
Attendees include former Governors General and Prime Ministers, MPs, mayors, iwi representatives, recipients of the Order of New Zealand, local schools and youth organisations.
Ardern reads an extract from the book The Royal Visit to New Zealand, which was published here after the Queen’s first visit.
The Queen’s personal flag for New Zealand will be paraded for the last time.
The service is limited to invitees, but will be online and broadcast on two large screens on Parliament’s grounds.
A service will also be held in Auckland at 5:00 PM at Holy Trinity Cathedral, Parnell. Many of Auckland’s landmarks will glow purple, including Vector Lights on the Auckland Harbor Bridge, the Auckland War Memorial Museum and the Sky Tower.
Last night there was a service in Christchurch.
Monarchy New Zealand chairman Dr Sean Palmer said people can reflect on 70 years of service to the Queen.
“All New Zealanders recognize the Queen in whatever way they feel most comfortable – for some this is a very personal occasion, they are extremely saddened that she has passed away.
“But there will be others who would like to think about it as turning the page, and that this is a moment in history.”
Wellington Mayor Andy Foster said the event will be a time for reflection.
“It’s a shame we all lost something.
“I think many people in thinking about the Queen’s passing probably felt a little taken aback, that feeling, that sense of loss of someone who has always been there, someone who has been a tremendous and diligent servant to the whole Commonwealth and our head of state for most of us, for more than our lives.”
Foster said he briefly shook hands with the Queen during her visit to Government House in the 1990s.
“I know many people want the opportunity to pay their respects and the holiday provides an opportunity for communities across the country to come together and also pay tribute at local events,” Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said in announcing the holiday. .
“I think this is ultimately historic. We will not see a change in our head of state in the lives of many people.
“This is one day, a one-time and a chance for New Zealanders to pause and acknowledge the contribution.”
Among other events, Timaru District Council will host a special memorial service at West End Hall at 1:30 PM.
For other local services, contact municipalities and organizations.
Parliament and libraries across Aotearoa have opened condolence books to the public. Condolence messages can also be sent to: [email protected] or made online at the Royal Family’s website.
Many, but not all public facilities closed
In most cities, municipal services such as libraries and facilities will be closed or operate with limited hours. Other popular attractions such as Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa in Wellington, Auckland War Memorial Museum and Hamilton Gardens are open.
For a local overview, check out what will be open and closed here –
It is a good idea to first inquire about a location you are going to today.
The official holiday of South Canterbury Anniversary Day, originally scheduled for today, was moved to November so as not to clash with the new public holiday.
What about the shops?
Despite today being a public holiday, there are no trading restrictions.
Retail New Zealand CEO Greg Harford said a survey of its members shows that about half plan to remain closed – and this could be a new trend.
“We also saw it with Matariki a few months ago. Normally most stores would be open on public holidays, but we are now finding that I think the cost of actually opening your store on a public holiday in terms of a day and a half in Instead of paying your staff, it’s only going to get harder for retailers.”
Harford said that in the past most retailers had stayed open, but that became increasingly difficult for retailers as costs skyrocket and customers don’t spend what they would like.
Anyone who wants to raise a glass in honor of the Queen’s 70th reign can still do so – as there will be no restrictions on the sale of alcohol.