Queen Elizabeth II

Queen Elizabeth II has died at Balmoral aged 96, after reigning for 70 years and was the United Kingdom’s—and New Zealand's—longest-serving monarch.

Upper Hutt Mayor, Wayne Guppy has made a statement this morning:

“Today is a sad day as we mourn the passing of a remarkable woman, our Queen, who gave us a continued presence and stability for over 70 years.

It is a time of great sadness and grief for us all. I for one feel a true sense of loss and I am sure many others do too.

This is a significant day in history, and a time for us to pause, reflect, and think about our Queen’s momentous and unwavering service to New Zealand and the Commonwealth.

On behalf of Upper Hutt, our thoughts and condolences are with The Royal Family as we remember a great friend to New Zealand.

Ki te kāhui āriki o Ingarangi, e rere ana ngā waimapu i Te Awakairangi ki Uta, ki a koutou e noho pani ana i tēnei wā taumaha [To The Royal Family. The waters of Te Awakairangi (Hutt River) flow in your direction at this extremely heavy time].”

A condolence book has been set up in the Upper Hutt Central Library for all to write messages of condolences and support.

Image: Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip at Kaitoke station, 1954. Photo credit J.W. Dempsey.