Queen Elizabeth II Ninety-Fifth Birthday

It has become a long-standing tradition for New Zealand Post to issue commemorative coins and stamps to mark significant milestones in the history of Aotearoa’s monarchy. Their subject matter has invariably captured the hearts and minds of many people, in this country and around the world, for well over a century. New Zealand’s unique relationship with the monarchy brings a fresh perspective to this ancient institution, writes Sean Palmer, Chair of Monarchy New Zealand.

The monarchy is a truly international institution, one shared by many countries around the world. Queen Elizabeth II is the sovereign of 16 independent nations. Each of these diverse countries, from Papua New Guinea to Canada, from Jamaica to New Zealand, has freely chosen to be a constitutional monarchy and to give the role of Head of State to the Queen. In doing so, each nation has modified the monarchy to suit its own needs and cultural preferences. As a result, the monarchy is associated with many different symbols, places, plants, and animals in each of these nations.

New Zealand has been particularly successful in demonstrating its own distinctive interpretation of the monarchy. Nowhere else in the world would members of the royal family deliver messages in te reo Māori, the Māori language. Nowhere else would they have korowai (feathered cloaks) or other taonga (treasures) for use in national ceremonies. In some countries, the monarchy is associated with the rose and thistle, but here it is associated with the silver fern and the mānuka flower, as can be seen in the insignia of the New Zealand Royal Honours system. Beyond these symbols, there are few other places in the world where members of the royal family can be as informal and as accessible to the public as they are here in New Zealand. The monarchy in New Zealand is a modern, multicultural institution woven into the fabric of the country.

It would be a misconception to think that the Queen’s role is purely ceremonial. First and foremost, the sovereign is part of our constitution. Her job is to ensure that there is an elected government in place, to give effect to laws passed by Parliament, and to appoint officials. All of this she does on the advice of duly elected advisors, Ministers in general and Prime Ministers in particular.

Nevertheless, it has long been recognised that in a constitutional crisis, she might have to exercise her own judgement in some of these matters. Other countries around the world have seen the monarchy intervene in defence of democracy. We are fortunate that it hasn’t happened in New Zealand, but having a neutral person able to call an election in a political emergency is a very valuable democratic safeguard.

Queen Elizabeth II Ninety-Fifth Birthday stamps, first day covers, presentation pack and Limited Edition were issued on 7 April 2021. The coins in this issue are due for release at a future date.

The monarchy has been an important part of the New Zealand national family for almost two centuries. Many members of the royal family have worked their entire lives for this country, always ready to provide whatever assistance the government might request. For many generations, they have been with us through the good times and bad. In times of triumph, they have celebrated with us, sending messages, making visits, and holding receptions. In times of tragedy they have offered condolences, donated to recovery efforts, and drawn the attention of the world to the unfolding events.

In New Zealand the Queen represents the Crown, one partner in te Tiriti o Waitangi. It is a unique role and one whose importance should not be overlooked. The Queen’s great-greatgrandmother, Queen Victoria, lent her name to the Treaty of Waitangi more than 180 years ago. It is clear that members of the royal family today continue to treasure their relationships with the original inhabitants of this land. It is not surprising that the monarchy, as an institution, resonates with traditional Māori tikanga (protocols). The importance of ancestry and whakapapa (genealogy) and the concept of mana are all expressed in the nature of the monarchy. The relationship that Queen Elizabeth currently has with Māori is an extension of the bond that was initiated by her direct ancestor six generations ago. Of course, as with all families, the relationship is not confined to the past. Queen Elizabeth’s great-grandson, Prince George, is third in line to the throne. He will carry on his family’s legacy and build on its connections to this country and its people into the 22nd century.