New Zealand will mark the passing of Queen Elizabeth II with a State Memorial Service and one-off public holiday on Monday September 26th 2022, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has announced.
Cabinet has decided that New Zealand will have a one-off public holiday and state memorial service to mark the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
There will be no trade restrictions.
In a statement, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said many New Zealanders would appreciate the opportunity to both mark her death and celebrate her life.
"The State Memorial Service will be held in the Wellington Cathedral of St Paul on the same day, Monday 26 September, and will be televised and live streamed.
"I know 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...
"I think ultimately though this is historic. We are not going to see in many people's lifetime a change in our head of state. This is one day, a one-off, and a chance for New Zealanders to just take pause and acknowledge the contribution."
It was appropriate to mark the life of New Zealand's much loved Sovereign with a dedicated public holiday and State Memorial Service, Ardern said.
It was in keeping with an historic event and in line with the UK and Australia, which were having similar holidays, she said.
On the public holiday for the Queen's death overlapping with the South Canterbury anniversary, Ardern said she was aware of the clash and it had been looked into.
"This has occurred before, I believe in 2011. So the legislation dictates that only one public holiday occurs at that time. We have asked MBIE to reach out to the local leadership in South Canterbury because they do have the ability should they choose to move or celebrate their day on another day.
The death of the Queen was announced on Friday (NZT) and her funeral will be held at Westminster Abbey on Monday, September 19.
A period of national mourning started immediately after the Queen's death was announced and will continue until the date of the National Memorial Service.
