King Charles III meets with Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern at Buckingham Palace in London on 17 September.
Photo: STEFAN ROUSSEAU
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says it is a privilege and responsibility to be among world leaders paying respects at the Queen’s funeral.
She is among 500 heads of state and foreign dignitaries invited to tonight’s funeral, where she will be joined by a small group of distinguished New Zealanders to represent this country.
“A good chunk of my time will be spent just thinking about the privilege it is to be there in the first place on behalf of New Zealand, and always wanting to make sure I do the job well on everyone’s behalf.”
Ardern told Morning Report presenter Corin Dann the delegation New Zealanders attending the funeral felt humbled to be present.
The group have been formally welcomed at the High Commission in London, and include Kiingi Tūheitia, officials and people who have been granted royal honours.
Ardern said choosing a New Zealand delegation that reflected the connection between the Queen and New Zealand had been a difficult task.
“We were also asked to reflect New Zealanders and their connection with the UK so that’s why we panned across young people, sports, education, business but very importantly Māoridom.
“Every single one is humbled to be here.”
King Charles
Ardern said King Charles had visited New Zealand as many times as the Queen, and had a knowledge and an affinity for the country.
“He has a particular interest in matters that relate to our environment, but also to your young people but he will bring something different to the role.
“I’ve certainly seen an interest and a knowledge of indigenous issues generally.
“The fact that of course he knows Kiingi Tūheitia I think is an acknowledgement of an awareness of the importance of the relationship between the Crown and Māoridom.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern with Kiingi Tūheitia (centre) at the New Zealand High Commission.
Photo: RNZ / Nick Monro
No urgency for discussion on republic
Ardern said there was no urgency for a discussion on a future republic, but she had long believed it would happen in her lifetime.
She sensed an acknowledgement and respect for the traditions surrounding the funeral, she said.
“That certainly doesn’t mean that we wouldn’t have an expectation going forward that there wouldn’t be an ongoing conversation around New Zealand’s relationship with the Crown.
“I do think it will be an evolution, I think there are ways that that will be undertaken respectfully as well.”
“It’s not a conversation to enter lightly, and I do believe that there needs to be that public sense of the desire for it, the movement for it.
“I have been asked about a future republic only ever by the media. I can’t recall a time a member of the public has asked me about it.
“Of course there will be a sentiment amongst the public, there will be a view out there.
“But is it one I sense an urgency around now? No, not for us.
“My observation is that there’s been an understanding about the evolution of our relationships nothing stands still.
“I think New Zealand will evolve over time but in a way that works for New Zealand.”
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