By NZ Gastro Office | Posted: Tuesday October 25, 2022
Queen Elizabeth II, the United Kingdom's longest-serving monarch passed away peacefully at Balmoral, her Scottish estate, aged 96 on 8 September 2022 leaving a legacy of good works.
Queen Elizabeth II, the United Kingdom's longest-serving monarch, passed away peacefully at Balmoral, her Scottish estate, aged 96 on September 8 2022. Queen Elizabeth was an extraordinary leader who dedicated her life to service over her 70-year reign.
It is time to acknowledge a new beginning, as King Charles III starts his reign. Aotearoa New Zealand's link to the monarchy is complex. The ongoing effects (positive and negative) of colonisation, the signing of Treaty of Waitangi which sets a kaupapa for partnership between tangata whenua with the Crown, the strength of being in a commonwealth, the constitutional pros and cons of having a head of state separate to an elected parliament.
The symbols, history and tradition of the monarchy invoke valid and different meanings and emotions amongst each of us all, and are times to consider our ties, history and future whilst acknowledging the passing of an extraordinary Queen.