The New Zealand flag will be flown at half-mast from the announcement of the death up to and including the day of the funeral, except for on Proclamation Day, which was on Saturday, to officially announce King Charles III as the new sovereign, and head of state for New Zealand. Many people in the Hauraki Coromandel shared their condolences via memory books, made available at council offices and libraries in the region.
The team from the St Francis Op Shop in Tairua paid their homage to the departed monarch. Pat Gilbert, from the shop, said; "The team made the small photo display to pay tribute to our very much-loved Queen Elizabeth II and to offer a small place for our friends and customers to pause momentarily and give thanks for the life of a woman who kept her promise 'that my whole life whether it be long or short, shall be devoted to your service'. And she did with such love."
"We lit a candle, had a wonderful morning tea provided by friends, grieved for the enormous loss that her family will be enduring and talked about this extraordinary woman who exemplifies a life well lived and her faith truly revealed," said Sharon.
He kotuku rerenga tahi - A white heron's flight is seen but once.
