Ministry Statements & Speeches:
Secretary-General Guterres, President of the General Assembly Kőrösi
On behalf of the Government and People of New Zealand it is my privilege to pay tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
I extend our deepest sympathies to the royal family. While Her Majesty was an admired and respected monarch, to the royal family she was a mother and grandmother. Her love of family was evident to all.
Our thoughts are also with our friends and colleagues at the UK Mission, fellow members of the Commonwealth, including the realm countries for which her Majesty was Head of State.
Queen Elizabeth II was our longest serving Sovereign.
Admired and treasured, her record reign of 70 years of service as Queen was a testament of her commitment to us all.
As recalled already this morning, the Queen was a constant through unprecedented global change. She was a supporter of multilateralism and the consummate diplomat.
The Queen visited New Zealand on ten occasions. During her first tour over the summer of 1953-54 she and the Duke of Edinburgh visited 46 centres and attended 110 functions.
She was unwavering in her sense of duty. She was extraordinary.
We mourn her loss.
Finally, allow me to take the opportunity to pass on some words of condolence from Prime Minister Ardern:
“With our deepest gratitude for your love of the people of Aotearoa New Zealand, and for your life of service.
He kōtuku rerenga tahi. Rere ki tua o paerau, haere atu rā.”
This roughly translates to: “Like the white heron, you were a leader of rare grace. We commend thee now to the heavens”.
Kia ora koutou. Thank you.