The broad range of representation is testament to the Queen’s long standing relationship with New Zealand, Ardern said. Photo: RNZ / Angus Dreaver
The prime minister has confirmed the full New Zealand delegation to attend the Queen’s funeral in London.
Accompanying Jacinda Ardern and Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro are the Māori King, Kiingi Tūheitia, former Governor-General Dame Silvia Cartwright, Victoria Cross for New Zealand recipient, Bill (Willie) Apiata and former Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, Sir Don McKinnon.
Ardern said Queen Elizabeth II was much loved and admired and this country’s longest serving Sovereign.
“It is a privilege to attend the funeral alongside other New Zealanders from different walks of life to pay our respects on behalf of all New Zealanders,” she said in a statement.
“The broad range of New Zealand’s representation is a testament to the Queen’s long standing relationship and engagement with our country,” she said.
Other New Zealanders attending include New Zealander of the Year Sir Tipene O’Regan, London based soprano Aivale Cole and Whaea Esther Jessop who is honorary president of Ngāti Rānana – The London Māori Club.
Dame Kiri Te Kanawa will attend, as will Jacinda Amey, who received the New Zealand Cross for towing a colleague to safety in 1992, after he was attacked by a shark near Campbell Island.
Also invited to attend the funeral are some holders of New Zealand’s most senior Royal honours including representatives of the Victoria Cross for New Zealand, The New Zealand Cross, and the Order of New Zealand.
Ardern will fly to London tomorrow.
On Monday night, after the funeral, she will travel to New York for the United Nations General Assembly.
She will pick up her planned schedule there on the Tuesday, which will include co-hosting the Christchurch Call Summit with French President Emmanuel Macron, and delivering New Zealand’s national statement.
Copyright © 2022, Radio New Zealand
King Charles and his siblings held a silent vigil at the side of their mother Queen Elizabeth’s coffin as it lay at rest in Edinburgh’s historic cathedral, with thousands queuing for hours to pay…
The official proclamation of Charles III as Aotearoa New Zealand’s new king has taken place at Parliament today.
Cabinet has decided that New Zealand will have a one-off public holiday on Monday 26 September to mark the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
The Queen’s coffin has left Balmoral Castle in Scotland in the first part of what will be a 10-day journey of ritual and ceremony leading up to her state funeral.
for ad-free news and current affairs
New Zealand RSS
Follow RNZ News