New Zealand will have a one-off public holiday to commemorate Queen Elizabeth II.
The holiday will be on Monday 26 September. There will be no trade restrictions on this day.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said that many New Zealanders will appreciate the opportunity to mark the Queen’s death and celebrate her life.
“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,” Ardern said.
The public holiday will occur on the same day as the South Canterbury anniversary. Ardern said that local leadership in Canterbury will have the choice of celebrating the anniversary on another day.
The Prime Minister will attend the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II at Westminster Abbey on Monday 19 September.
The official proclamation of Charles III as New Zealand’s new king took place at Parliament on 11 September.
