Death Gun Salute marking the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II,
New Zealand Army’s 16 Field Regiment will fire 96 rounds - one round for every year of Her Majesty’s life.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has sent a condolence letter to King Charles expressing sympathy for the death of his mother.
"As Queen of New Zealand, Her Majesty was loved for her grace, calmness, dedication, and public service. Her affection for New Zealand and its people was clear, and it wasan affection that was shared," Ardern wrote.
"Her Majesty was an important part of all our lives throughout her reign – but she was first and foremost a daughter, a sister, a mother, and a grandmother.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern with a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II during a press conference at the Beehive. Photo / Mark Mitchell
"Over the years, [Charles' involvement in politics] has always been at the level of where you would expect a future king to be interested," Ardern told du Plessis-Allan.
The Prime Minister expects King Charles III will stay politically neutral, despite publicly expressing his views on various issues in the past - including climate change. This was considered controversial at times due to a precedent for royal family members to remain politically neutral.
"[Royals] do have an interest in what's happening; current events and issues that are top of mind for New Zealand," Ardern said.
She said she had met King Charles on a "number" of opportunities, as recent as this year in Europe, where he had shown a "genuine affinity" for New Zealand.
Ardern said Charles was particularly connected to the country through his work with The Prince's Trust, a charity for vulnerable young people.
