Cabinet will consider options for a New Zealand memorial service for the late queen and a possible public holiday when it meets tomorrow.
Queen Elizabeth II in 2017
picture: France Press agency
The Queen died on Friday (NZT) and will remain in the state for four days before her funeral at Westminster Abbey on Monday, September 19.
A government spokesman confirmed that the Cabinet will discuss tomorrow the possibilities of holding a memorial service in this country.
It will also be considered a public holiday.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has confirmed that the country will have a public holiday on National Day of Mourning on September 22.
Charles III was officially proclaimed the new King of New Zealand in Aotearoa in Parliament today, after a similar ceremony in the UK overnight.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern’s spokeswoman expressed the “great sense of loss” New Zealand felt following the death of Queen Elizabeth when she spoke to her new British counterpart Liz Truss last night.
Ardern also congratulated Truss on her appointment as Prime Minister.
The spokeswoman said Ardern acknowledged this had been a difficult time for the “privilege of office” leading the UK through grief over the loss of the Queen.
Truss expressed her condolences over the boat accident in Kaikoura.
Leaders said they look forward to meeting in person soon.
Ardern also invited The Truss to visit New Zealand.