As spring came to New Zealand in early September, the country was struck with heavy hearts at news of the passing of HM Elizabeth II, Queen of New Zealand, while many New Zealanders still slept and awoke to the reports.
After the festivities of her Platinum Jubilee that was celebrated with luncheons, high teas, and services of thanksgiving only a few months ago, we now remember a life lived in service. The Commonwealth has now turned to reflecting on her reign of over 70 stable years as a leading figure for many peoples of the world. Her reign oversaw great societal changes and upheavals while she remained the strength and stay of many and as a symbol of a vanishing generation that left an indelible mark on history. When the Queen took her place as Head of the Commonwealth, it was as a leader in a world still reeling in the aftermath of World War II, rationing had yet to cease, the Cold War was on the rise and the world was turning to its next stage of political and societal dialogue.
To quote National Leader Christopher Luxon in the Parliamentary Address following her passing, “She uniquely understood the ark and the pattern of history. She was, indeed, a part of what has been referred to as "the greatest generation"; a generation that made big personal sacrifices but, by and large, made no demands from the generations that followed and prospered economically, politically, and culturally because of their sacrifices.” The address in our parliament in September was such a rare occasion that all business stopped in our parliament - a momentous pause to reflect on the passing of our Head of State, the transfer of the Crown to Charles III and to acknowledge the Queen’s special devotion to New Zealand and the Commonwealth.
When we celebrated her Platinum Jubilee, some people asked me as a New Zealander being of Korean birth, raised in Malaysia and coming to New Zealand as a young adult, why I regarded Her Majesty with such regard, for them I cite my speech in the House in February:
“Like many first-generation New Zealanders, the first moment we know we are New Zealand citizens, that we truly in fact belong in this country, is when we take the oath and affirmation of allegiance, the final step towards citizenship and a sign of loyalty to the sovereign Queen of New Zealand, representing our democratic institutions and our Kiwi way of life. I'm proud to be a member of parliament, having sworn the oath to her in my mother tongue, Korean, at the start of this parliament and at many more occasions to come. I just want to say, you know, there are some who actually disrespect that, but all I can say is I'm very pleased that I'm a New Zealand citizen so help me God, and “God Save the Queen!”
For many New Zealanders, their grief in the loss of Her Majesty is representative of a strong loss and permanent change. She's been a constant presence in an ever-changing world. She has been on our coins, on our passports and for so many, she has been in our hearts. Her passing is also reflective the wider grief many of us have felt losing loved ones through Covid-19 and through the wider passage of time slipping older generations from our hands through age. Almost all of us have lost someone special at a time when we could not be there. The Queen’s words to the world gave immense comfort at a time when many did not know what would come next in the darkest days of the pandemic. As the world recovers slowly and we look in hope to new beginnings, her words in that broadcast remain one of her finest moments, her duty through adversity standing unyielding bringing comfort to all.
“We will succeed - and that success will belong to every one of us. We should take comfort that while we may have more still to endure, better days will return: we will be with our friends again; we will be with our families again; we will meet again.”
Rest in peace, Your Majesty. You have earned it. (MELISSA LEE MP)
National Member of Parliament
National Spokesperson for Broadcasting & Media| Digital Economy and Communications | Ethnic Communities
E: mplee@parliament.govt.nz
Authorised by Melissa Lee, Parliament Buildings, Wellington
www.parliament.nz/en/mps-and-electorates/members-of-parliament/lee-melissa/