The Prime Minister has confirmed the New Zealanders set to attend the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II in London.
They include the Māori King, Kiingi Tūheitia, former Governor-General Dame Silvia Cartwright, Victoria Cross for New Zealand recipient, Bill (Willie) Apiata and former Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, Sir Don McKinnon.
“Queen Elizabeth II was our longest serving Sovereign and was much loved and admired,” said PM Jacinda Ardern.
“It is a privilege to attend the funeral alongside other New Zealanders from different walks of life to pay our respects on behalf of all New Zealanders.
“The broad range of New Zealand’s representation is a testament to the Queen’s long standing relationship and engagement with our country,” she said.
Others from New Zealand include Sir Tipene O’Regan, Aivale Cole, Whaea Esther Jessop and Jacqueline Gilbert.
In addition, some holders of New Zealand’s most senior Royal honours have also been invited to attend the funeral. Amongst those are representatives of the Victoria Cross for New Zealand, The New Zealand Cross, and the Order of New Zealand.
The NZ representatives to attend are:
- Kiingi Tūheitia
- Sir Tipene O’Regan – New Zealander of the year
- Aivale Cole – London based soprano and winner of the 2009 Lexus Song Quest
- Whaea Esther Jessop – the Honorary President of Ngāti Rānana – The London Māori Club, having been a founding member in 1958 and former Chair.
- Jacqueline Gilbert – Female founder of Beaudurof, completed an MBA at Cambridge and now judges at Business School Entrepreneur courses.
The Victoria Cross for New Zealand:
- Bill (Willie) Apiata, VC
The New Zealand Cross:
- Jacinda Amey, NZC
The Order of New Zealand:
- The Honourable Dame Silvia Cartwright, ONZ, PCNZM, DBE, QSO, DStJ
- The Right Honourable Sir Don McKinnon, ONZ, GCVO
- Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, ONZ, CH, DBE
The Acting High Commissioner for New Zealand will also attend.
“Being in London for the Queen’s funeral also represents an opportunity to meet with King Charles III, Leaders of Realm and Commonwealth countries, along with other world leaders who have also been invited to the funeral, and participate in other events specifically for realm countries,” Ms Ardern said.
The Prime Minister will fly to London tomorrow.
