New Zealand will honour Queen Elizabeth II's legacy with a state memorial and one-off public holiday on Monday, September 26.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced to Kiwis that 'Queen Elizabeth II Memorial Day' will be a national day off to mourn the monarch, who died last Friday at the age of 96 after a 70-year reign.
"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," the Prime Minister said.
The official memorial service will be held at the Wellington Cathedral on September 26, and will be a televised and live streamed event.
"I know many people will want the opportunity to pay their respects and the public holiday offers communities around the country the ability to come together and pay tribute at local events also," Prime Minister Ardern said.
"The decision to hold a one-off Public Holiday in the Queen’s honour is also in line with similar holidays in the UK and Australia, and is in keeping with what is an historic event."
