New Zealand will have a one-off public holiday on Monday, 26 September to mark the death of the Queen.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern shared the announcement this afternoon. The public holiday will coincide with a State Memorial Service at the Wellington Cathedral of St Paul.
“As New Zealand’s Queen and much loved Sovereign for over 70 years, it is appropriate that we mark her life of dedicated public service with a State Memorial Service and a one-off public holiday,” said Ardern.
“Queen Elizabeth II was an extraordinary person and I know many New Zealanders will appreciate the opportunity to both mark her death and celebrate her life.
Australian prime minister Anthony Albanese announced over the weekend that Aussies will get a one-off public holiday as a national day of mourning to mark the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
“It will be a one-off national public holiday to allow people to pay their respects for the passing of Queen Elizabeth,” Albanese said.
“I spoke to all premiers and chief ministers yesterday and I’m writing to them formally this morning, they will have received their letters by now. They have all agreed that it’s appropriate that it be a one-off national public holiday.”
The National Party backed a public holiday to mark the Queen’s death, but Act and NZ First do not support it, saying the cost of it is too great.
In a statement, NZ First leader Winston Peters said it would come at a cost of $400 million to the economy.
“The last thing the Queen would expect is for us to have another day off when our economy and businesses are in such a fragile state. New Zealand had one of the longest lockdowns through Covid – second only to the Australian state of Victoria. The economic loss for that cost this country billions.
“Keep calm and carry on.”
