/New-Zealand-Public-Holiday-Queen-Death.jpg "New Zealand's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern speaks about a public holiday on September 26 to mark the death of Britain's Queen Elizabeth II during a press conference at the Parliament in Wellington on September 12, 2022.(Photo: AFP)")
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced on Monday that there will be a one-off holiday on September 26 to commemorate the passing of Queen Elizabeth II.
This, I think, will be an opportunity to recognize Queen Elizabeth II's lifetime of service to New Zealand, Ardern told reporters in Wellington.
"We must realize that this is a once-in-70-years occurrence. The queen was our head of state and sovereign."
"Through her public service, she made an enormous contribution to New Zealand," Ardern added. This signifies the conclusion of an important chapter.
On the same day, a state memorial ceremony will be performed in the capital's Cathedral of St. Paul.
Ardern said that she will depart New Zealand on September 14 to attend the queen's funeral in London, followed by a flight to the General Assembly of the United Nations in New York.
A public holiday has been proclaimed for September 22 in New Zealand, following Australia's lead.
Anthony Albanese, the prime minister of Australia, will also fly to London to attend the funeral.
Australia and New Zealand officially crowned King Charles III as monarch on Sunday.
Both former British colonies have been independent for decades, yet their monarchs remain in power.
