South Taranaki District Mayor, Phil Nixon has expressed his "deep sadness" at news of Queen Elizabeth's death. "I know that I speak for people across South Taranaki in offering our deepest sympathy to members of the Royal Family at the passing of the Queen," he says.
“While for us the Queen was a much respected and constant figure in our lives, for them she was a mother, grandmother and great grandmother.”
Mayor Nixon says Queen Elizabeth was an extraordinary woman who dedicated her life to the service of others.
“As our monarch for 70 years, and typically working to the very end, she was a symbol of strength, stability, reassurance and encouragement.”
Mayor Nixon says New Zealanders, like many others throughout the world, will be feeling a great sense of loss at this time.
“STDC has available condolence books at each of our
LibraryPlus facilities and the Council’s Administration Building and i-SITE
Visitor Centre in Hawera for those wanting to pay tribute to Queen Elizabeth
II.”
Kua hinga atu rā te tōtara i te wao-tapu-nui-ā-Tāne
The great Tōtara tree has fallen in the forest of Tāne
Te Kōtuku rerenga tahi.
The white heron of single flight,
Haere atu rā ki te tīpare o Ranginui
Go to the stars in heaven
Ki ngā ringa o ngā tupuna.
To the arms of your ancestors
