5 April 2002
Prime Minister Helen Clark today announced that an ecumenical Memorial Service for the Queen Mother will be held at
Wellington Cathedral at 12.30 pm on Wednesday 10 April.
The service will be attended by the Governor-General and representatives of the Government, the Diplomatic Corps, the
New Zealand Defence Force, the Royal New Zealand Returned Services Association, organisations with which the Queen
Mother had connections such as the Order of St John, Guides, and other community groups. Members of the public are
welcome to attend the service.
The Memorial Service, which is expected to be about 45 minutes in duration, will be a celebration of the life of the
Queen Mother.
“New Zealanders had deep admiration for the Queen Mother. Her life was a remarkable one. What impressed people most was
her unassuming dignity, energy, openness and warmth.”
Prime Minister Helen Clark has asked that flags remain at half mast until the close of day on 10 April to coincide with
this Memorial Service and the Final Funeral Rites in the United Kingdom.
There will be a final 21 gun salute from Point Jerningham during the memorial service, and a military band will take
part in the ceremony.
Ends