- By Christopher Luxon, National Party leader and MP for Botany
What a profound and poignant time these past few days have been.
Since the news of the Queen’s passing at Balmoral Castle last week, millions worldwide have mourned and remembered one of the most extraordinary and dedicated figures in our history.
Although she was 96 and her health was declining, New Zealanders’ admiration and adoration of Her Majesty remained steadfast. The Queen’s reign began before most of us were born and her presence was a constant comfort to millions.
It felt as though she’d always be with us. Instead, we reflect now on her life of service to Britain and to the Commonwealth.
From the time of her coronation 70 years ago with her pledge to devote her life to public service, she could not have given more of herself to the role.
Through seven tumultuous decades she led the Commonwealth, combining a sense of continuity and tradition, yet also adapting the monarchy to a changing world and making herself and the monarchy more approachable and accessible.
The Queen was the first reigning monarch to visit New Zealand, ultimately coming here 10 times during her reign. Each time she always expressed genuine affection for this country.
I still have faint memories of Her Majesty’s visit to Christchurch in 1974 for the Commonwealth Games when I was just four years old. I remember standing on Memorial Avenue with my mother and brother, waving our flags in the crowd as the Queen drove past in her Rolls Royce.
Those memories stay with you for a lifetime and that says a lot about how significant a visit from The Queen can be.
We also remember the Queen as a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother and I know the thoughts of all of us are with her family and our new monarch, King Charles III.
He has said that his mother’s death is the greatest sadness for him and all his family, and of course, we can all empathise with that.
I would also like to acknowledge King Charles III, who I believe will uphold the values and dedication to service that his mother demonstrated. He too has diligently served his people for his entire life and now he is asked to take his leap at a time when he is undoubtedly feeling a greater sense of loss.
Over the past few days, we have seen various ceremonial events, both in the UK and in New Zealand, marking the Queen’s death and King Charles’ accession.
I have and will continue to represent the Opposition in New Zealand wherever I am required, but as a citizen of this country, I give thanks for the life of a remarkable and selfless woman and monarch who dedicated her life’s work to public service and who never wavered from that lifelong commitment she made more than 70 years ago.
I’m sure you’ll all have your own thoughts and recollections that you will share privately or publicly with your friends and families in the days ahead. The Queen touched us all – even those who never met her and that alone is a testament to the role she played in all our lives.
