New Zealand will mark the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II with a State Memorial Service and one-off public holiday Queen Elizabeth II Memorial Day on Monday 26 September. The event is a chance to celebrate Her Majesty’s life and reign.
“Queen Elizabeth II served with commitment and integrity and provided continuity and stability as Head of State,” said Mayor Phil Goff.
“With her passing, we mark the end of the Elizabethan era, which lasted over 70 years, and we mourn the loss of a leader who earned the respect of our nation and the world.”
The State Memorial Service
The State Memorial Service will take place at the Wellington Cathedral of St Paul at 2pm and will be televised and live streamed. There will be no public screening of the State Memorial Service in Auckland.
Auckland Memorial Service – Holy Trinity Cathedral
The Auckland Service of Memorial for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II will be held at Holy Trinity Cathedral, Parnell at 5pm on Monday 26 September. All are welcome to attend.
Holy Trinity Cathedral advises punctual arrival on the day and encourages the use of public transport to travel to and from the Cathedral.
Tāmaki Makaurau lights up in royal purple
In a coordinated city-wide response, watch Tāmaki Makaurau light up in royal purple, in recognition and celebration of Her Majesty on Monday 26 September.
Many of Auckland’s most recognisable landmarks will light up, including Vector Lights on Auckland Harbour Bridge, Te Ara I Whiti – The Lightpath, Auckland War Memorial Museum, the Sky Tower, Eden Park, Quay Street lights, PwC Tower, Westfield Newmarket, The Civic, Aotea Centre, and the Viaduct Harbour.
Queen Elizabeth II Memorial Day
Many of Auckland Council’s services and facilities will be closed or open with reduced public holiday hours. Visit the Auckland Council website for information on all council services and facilities or to report a problem online.
Service centres
- All Auckland Council service centres will be closed.
Rubbish and recycling
- Rubbish, recycling and food scraps collections will be one day later than usual after a public holiday, with some exceptions.
- Check your rubbish and recycling days here
Pools and leisure centres
- All Auckland Council pools and some of our leisure centres will be open and operating standard public holiday hours.
- Learn to Swim, OSCAR and Term Programmes will not be running.
- Visit Auckland Leisure for the full list.
Auckland Council libraries, community and arts centres
- All Auckland Council libraries, community hubs, community centres, arts centres (including all galleries) and research centres will be closed.
- Te Māpuna Library Connect and Pātaka Kōrero Kaewa Mobile Library and Access Services will also be closed.
- Check the Auckland Libraries website for full details.
Building inspections
- If you have a building inspection pre-booked for 26 September, it will be rescheduled.
Cultural organisations
- Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki, Auckland Zoo, New Zealand Maritime Museum and Auckland Stadiums (including Lilyworld) will be open with their standard public holiday operating hours.
- Visit their websites directly for more information.
Acknowledging the passing of The Queen
Books of condolence are available for the public to sign at the Auckland Town Hall and all 56 Auckland Council Libraries until Sunday 25 September.
Town Hall
- Monday to Friday – 9am to 5pm
- Saturday and Sunday – 10am to 5pm
- Please enter the building at the main entrance on Queen Street and be prepared to queue.
- Please visit ourauckland.nz for updates and plan your journey into the city centre carefully, taking into account the Essential Vehicle Area that sees this area of Queen Street closed to private vehicles and taxis.
Auckland Council Libraries
- Visit our website for locations and hours.
Visit OurAuckland for more information on how Aucklanders can acknowledge the passing of Queen Elizabeth II and for Mayor Phil Goff’s full statement on the passing of The Queen, on behalf of Auckland Council and the people of Tāmaki Makaurau.
