Mayor Phil Goff remembers Queen Elizabeth II as a ‘reassuring presence’ for the past 70 years.
At the Finance and Performance Committee on September 15, Mayor Phil Goff presented a speech about the recent passing of Queen Elizabeth II.
“As our head of state through times that were often turbulent she had been a constant, a stable and a reassuring presence,” Goff said.
“At the somewhat tender age of 21… she gave a hugely impressive speech in which she stated ‘I declare before you all that my whole life whether it be short or long shall be devoted to your service’. It was a pledge that she honoured right to the end of her life.”
Goff recalled being six years old when the Queen first toured New Zealand and how much the city had changed over that time.
Goff extended his condolences and congratulations to King Charles III. When he met Charles, Goff said he found him to be well informed and engaged.
“Things we are debating now, such as sustainability and climate change, he took a stand for 30 years ago. He was ahead of his time.”
A minute of silence was had during the committee and chair Desley Simpson finished the remembrance by saying “God save the king”.
- By Laura Kvigstad, Auckland Council reporter Funded by New Zealand on Air
