“E kui, e te kuini o Ingarangi, moe mai, moe mai, okioki ai.”
“Revered lady, the queen of England, go well to your place of rest.”
The passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II is being felt around the globe, with many here in Tauranga Moana deeply saddened by the loss.
Commissioner Shadrach Rolleston pays tribute on behalf of Tauranga City Council, remembering Her Majesty as a constant source of strength and stability through her 70 year reign.
“Queen Elizabeth II lived a life of service with dignity and grace” says Shadrach.
“Her Majesty guided the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth through many turbulent times and was a symbol of strength and unity for millions” he adds.
“For many in our community the Queen has been a constant presence, and people will no doubt want to express their deepest condolences to the royal family,” says Shadrach.
Tauranga City Council will have books of condolences available for the community to sign from tomorrow, Saturday 10 September, at Council libraries across the city:
- Tauranga Library - He Puna Manawa, 21 Devonport Road
- Pāpāmoa Library - 15 Gravatt Road
- Greerton Library - 139 Greerton Road
- Mount Maunganui Library - 398 Maunganui Road
- Mobile library - timetable/locations can be found here
At a national level, Condolence Books will be made available for the public to sign and leave messages at condolences@dia.govt.nz
Floral tributes can be placed near the large tree behind the Queen Elizabeth II Youth Centre at Memorial Park – access off Eleventh Avenue, and at Coronation Park on the corner of Maunganui Road and Nikau Crescent.
Area behind Queen Elizabeth II Youth Centre for floral tributes
Council’s flag on Takitimu drive is flying at half-mast until further notice.
Queen Elizabeth II visited Tauranga on 9 February 1963, arriving on the Royal yacht Britannia which berthed at Coronation Pier in Mount Maunganui.
Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh on a launch in Tauranga harbour, Royal Visit, 1963 Image: Tauranga City
Tauranga residents spent many days preparing for the visit, with the pier covered with flowers in the shape of her personal standard, and the Town Hall festooned with lights and topped with a crown.
Queen Elizabeth II and Mayor of Tauranga, D.S. Mitchell on a walkabout during Royal Visit of 1963 Image: Tauranga City Libraries
The official welcome was held at Memorial Park in the Sound Shell. As the Queen walked through the park, local girls dressed as Grecian maidens cast red and white petals at her feet. Following the formalities, the Royal party was treated to a Surf Carnival on the main Mount Beach.
Queen Elizabeth II and Duke of Edinburgh boarding the Royal Barge on the visit of HRH Queen Elizabeth II in 1963