Queen‘ was a constant, consistent presence’

Rituals such as watching the Queen’s Christmas broadcast were built into the fabric of New Zealanders’ lives, and she was the only head of state many had known, Dunedin’s Mayor has reflected.

Like many people, Aaron Hawkins heard news of the death of the Queen yesterday morning.

It was a sad, surreal and significant day for New Zealand, Mr Hawkins said.

"Her Majesty was a constant and consistent presence in our lives, and across the 70 years of her reign the world changed drastically, but she never seemed to," he said.

"I’m sure ours wasn’t the only family that worked backwards from the Queen’s message on television on Christmas Day.

"On behalf of the residents of 3Otepoti and the Dunedin City Council, we offer our deepest sympathies and thoughts to Her Majesty’s family, who will be in mourning, and to her loyal subjects across the Commonwealth."

Mr Hawkins said there would be some reflection on the meaning of the moment.

"I also want to recognise that as we come to terms with our own colonial history here in Aotearoa New Zealand, this period of mourning will be uncomfortable for some people.

"That’s also a human and understandable response."

Flags on Dunedin’s civic buildings were lowered to half-mast yesterday to mark the Queen’s death.

Condolence books are available for the public to sign at the Civic Centre reception and Dunedin Public Library.

Otakou runanga upoko (head) Edward Ellison said his father George Ellison met the future monarch and Princess Margaret at Buckingham Palace in 1937 or 1938.

He had been part of the Waiata Maori Choir.

"My father thought they were great people," Mr Ellison said.

The Queen provided outstanding service for her people, he said.