Queen a ‘truly inspirational figure’
Condolence books available at service centres and libraries
She was Britain’s longest reigning monarch having reigned for 70 years, which is remarkable given the fact she was never meant to be Queen. Most of us have not known a life without her as a role model.
FMayor Tracey Collis
lags are flying at half mast in Tararua to mark the death of Queen Elizabeth II. In a message to the British people, Mayor Tracey Collis remembers the Queen as an inspirational figure and a role model for us all.
“On behalf of the Tararua District Council we offer our condolences to the Royal Family, the people of the United Kingdom, and the Commonwealth on the sad passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth ll.
“She was Britain’s longest reigning monarch having reigned for 70 years, which is remarkable given the fact she was never meant to be Queen. Most of us have not known a life without her as a role model.
“A truly inspirational figure, a dignified leader with a loyalty always to her people first and someone who continued to serve despite all the challenges she faced during her 96 years. May she rest in peace.
“We are awaiting further advice from the Ministry for Culture and Heritage regarding her late Majesty’s state memorial service in New Zealand and the date of Proclamation Day when King Charles officially takes the throne.
“We are all reflecting the change her Majesty’s passing brings in our lives such as the singing of God Save
the Queen at our Anzac services, celebrating her birthday, her honours, our banknotes and coins. It has always been a significant moment for myself and councillors to swear oath to serve her Majesty, join our new citizens in their photograph with the Queen and our flag.
“Our flags are all flying at half-mast and condolence books are available for residents to leave messages or memories at all our service centres and libraries.
“There will be many reflecting on her legacy. God Save the King.”
Aged 96, Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor was Britain’s — and New Zealand’s — longest-serving monarch, coming to the throne after the death of her father, King George VI, on February 6, 1952.
The length of her reign saw her work with 14 United Kingdom prime ministers and meet a dozen US presidents, four popes and countless other leaders, including Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern in 2018.
A frequent traveller until her last years, she undertook more than 270 overseas trips, and in 2011 became the first British monarch to visit Ireland.
There were 10 visits to New Zealand.
Her husband Prince Philip’s death in April 2021 left the Queen alone in the last years of her reign.