queen's visit to new zealand 1970

The Queen in New Zealand: A look back at Her Majesty's visits to Aotearoa

Bethany Reitsma

Senior lifestyle Writer, NZ Herald

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Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II marked 70 years on the throne - a monumental milestone for Britain’s longest-reigning monarch - months before her death in September 2022.

Just 25 when she came to the throne after the death of her father George VI, she also became the third-longest reigning monarch in the world.

To mark her Platinum Jubilee, festivities from a pageant involving 10,000 people to the traditional Trooping the Colour Parade, theatre performances, concerts and street parties took place across four days. The days of mourning between her death and her state funeral saw the royals gather for much more sombre appearances as they remembered their mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.

Countless Kiwis watched the funeral from their homes, and for many of them, the ceremony will have brought up memories of the time they met the Queen themselves, or saw her waving to the crowds during one of her many trips to New Zealand.

As the figurehead of the monarchy, the Queen’s relationship with Aotearoa was at times a complicated one. But it’s undeniable that she had a special place in Kiwis’ hearts, having navigated questions of sovereignty with grace throughout her years on the throne.

She was here during the Tangiwai disaster on Christmas Eve in 1953. She celebrated Waitangi Day with us on the Treaty Grounds. She introduced us to her children and grandchildren, opened Parliament buildings, and closed the Commonwealth Games. And it was in New Zealand in 1981 that she was the target of an assassination attempt, which may have been the closest anyone ever came to taking the Queen’s life.

Her most recent - and final - visit to New Zealand took place in 2002.

Here we take a look back at Her Majesty's 10 memorable visits to the land of the long white cloud.

The Queen's first visit in December 1953 also marked the first time a reigning sovereign set foot on New Zealand soil.

The newly-crowned monarch visited 46 towns and cities and went to 110 functions during the trip. One woman famously saw her 30 times.

Her Christmas message was broadcast from Auckland, during which she paid her respects to the victims of the Tangiwai rail disaster and their families.

The Queen returned to New Zealand 10 years later. Her February 1963 visit was timed so that she would arrive from Fiji and step straight onto New Zealand soil at Waitangi.

At the time, chairman of the New Zealand Māori Council Tui Carroll told the monarch in his address that Māori wanted the Treaty to have further statutory recognition.

March 1970 marked 200 years since Captain Cook and the Endeavour crew first came to New Zealand.

It was on this visit that the Queen established the royal "walkabout", now a tradition for each royal visit. She also introduced her children, Charles, the Prince of Wales, and Princess Anne to the country.

During her 1974 visit to Aotearoa, the Queen attended the Commonwealth Games in Christchurch, as well as events at Waitangi to celebrate New Zealand Day.

She also opened Parliament, which passed legislation that year to confirm her local title as Queen of New Zealand. She was accompanied on this visit by her husband the Duke of Edinburgh as well as Prince Charles, and Princess Anne and her husband Mark Phillips.

The year 1977 marked the Queen's Silver Jubilee, celebrating 25 years on the throne. As part of this royal tour, Her Majesty visited 11 centres in New Zealand. She also opened the Executive Wing building, also known as the Beehive, at Parliament in Wellington.

She gave a speech and unveiled a bronze plaque on the occasion, attending a banquet with 300 guests in the new Banquet Hall afterwards.

The Queen's 1981 visit very nearly ended in disaster after an assassination attempt.

In October that year, the Queen was visiting Dunedin when Kiwi teenager Christopher John Lewis aimed a .22 rifle at her from five storeys above her motorcade.

He missed, but it was quickly covered up as the government rushed to conceal just how close he had come to assassinating the Queen.

Then-Prime Minister Robert Muldoon reportedly feared that if the word got out, the royals would never visit New Zealand again.

The Queen's visit from February to March 1986 was an extension of trips to Nepal and Australia.

This visit, like many others, was marked by appointments of several Kiwis to the Royal Victorian Order in the 1986 Royal Visit Honours.

During her February 1990 visit, the Queen closed the Commonwealth Games in Auckland and attended events to mark 150 years since the Treaty of Waitangi was signed.

She also visited Queenstown with the Duke of Edinburgh, planting a tree at Earnslaw Park which was ripped out and stolen shortly afterwards. The thief was never identified and the tree was never found.

Her Majesty returned in November 1995, attending the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting in Auckland and opening the refurbished Parliament Buildings.

During this visit, she personally delivered an apology to the Tainui people from the British Crown. This apology was part of the Waikato-Tainui treaty settlement, including financial compensation and land adding up to $170 million.

The Queen's final visit to New Zealand was part of the celebrations of her Golden Jubilee, marking 50 years on the throne.

At a state dinner held in her honour, she addressed New Zealanders with these moving words.

"Whenever Prince Philip and I are here we particularly appreciate the warmth and friendliness of New Zealanders; the diverse culture and the stunning beauty of the country; and the opportunity to share your special way of life," she said at the time.

"This is a very different country from the one I first visited all those years ago. The changes here over these fifty years have been dramatic; I have admired your increasing energy and confidence. I know that this process of evolution will continue as you, the people of New Zealand, map out your path for the future in your own time and in your own way.

“I look forward to continuing to serve to the best of my ability in the years to come. It fills me with great pride to stand before you here today to express my lasting respect and deep affection for this country and for New Zealanders everywhere.”

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Queen Elizabeth's 1970 Visit To New Zealand And Australia Forever Changed Royal Customs

The history of the British monarchy dates back over a thousand years. During that millenia the kingdom's monarchs fought many wars, restructured their government, and developed their own traditions. It is arguably those traditions that have made the British royal family one of the most recognizable figureheads in the world. But, it was not until the 20th century that some of these customs began to change.

Queen Elizabeth II ascended the throne in 1952 and became the first woman to rule the United Kingdom since her great-great-grandmother, Queen Victoria over a century earlier, (per  All That's Interesting ). Over her decades-long reign, Queen Elizabeth II became a beloved figure amongst her subjects and many others from all over the world. Part of the reason for this was her willingness to occasionally break with royal tradition and attempt to modernize the monarchy. One day in 1970, her ability to do this would change the face of British royal customs forever.

Queen Elizabeth II Started The Royal Walkabout

As a royal figure, the queen and the royal family did not really intermingle with their subjects, with the exception of their public appearances. Until the latter part of the 1990s, the general population would only see the royals above them on a balcony or maybe through a car window if they were lucky, according to Insider . However, a couple of decades before, Queen Elizabeth II laid the foundation for what would become a new tradition.

In 1970, the queen took a tour of Australia and New Zealand, and while on this trip she decided to break protocol. Instead of keeping her distance from the people that had come to catch a glimpse of her, she decided to meet them on foot instead. This practice was reportedly initiated to help the royals connect with more of the ordinary folks instead of the other politicians or other officials they normally interact with. According to Harper's Bazaar, since the first royal walkabout more than 50 years ago, this custom has been practiced by others in the royal family, including Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton, Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, and the iconic Princess Diana .

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The queen's long-lasting relationship with new zealand.

Queen Elizabeth II made 10 trips to New Zealand during her 70-year reign, the last during her Golden Jubilee tour in 2002.

Queen Elizabeth is greeted by Māori elders at the Māori Arts and Crafts Institute in Whakarewarewa near Rotorua in November 1995. Photo: AFP

Months after her coronation in early 1953, the Queen and her husband, the late Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, headed to New Zealand where they spent Christmas and New Year's.

During the nearly month-long tour, the Queen visited 46 towns and cities and attended more than 100 separate functions. The visit heightened interest in the royals, with crowds flocking to the public events. In Tirau, 10,000 people turned up to welcome her, and one woman even saw her 30 times.

The royal couple spent Christmas morning at church before the Queen's Christmas message was broadcast, and they spent Boxing Day at the horse races in Ellerslie, Auckland.

The Queen, Prime Minister Sid Holland, The Duke of Edinburgh and Sir Eruera Tirakatene during her visit to New Zealand in 1954 Photo: AFP

On 12 January she opened Parliament - it was the first time a reigning monarch had opened Parliament.

A visit to Waitangi was added to the itinerary after it was initially omitted.

She returned in February 1963, spending 12 days in the country and attending Waitangi celebrations.

The Queen came back with her young family in March 1970, introducing Prince Charles and Princess Anne, before heading to Australia.

Queen Elizabeth during her first visit to New Zealand as Queen in 1954. Photo: AFP

The Queen and Prince Philip also attended the 1974 Commonwealth Games, held in Christchurch in January and February. The now-demolished QEII Park was built for the event. The royal couple took a motorcade around the stadium track and Queen Elizabeth presented medals to winners. She went to Waitangi events.

In 1977, she was back, this time to mark her Silver (25th) Jubilee. She was in the country from 22 February to 7 March. She visited 11 centres and opened the Beehive on 28 February 1977.

She made short visits in October 1981 (after a Commonwealth Heads of Government conference in Melbourne) and from February to March 1986.

The Queen returned for the Auckland Commonwealth Games in February 1990, and officially closed the event.

In October and November 1995, the Queen was in Auckland for a summit meeting of the heads of government from the Commonwealth nations.

During her visit, she personally delivered an apology from the Crown to the Tainui people, which formed part of the Waikato-Tainui treaty settlement.

Queen Elizabeth II with Tana Umaga, then-All Blacks captain, during a special reception at Buckingham Palace in London in 2005. Photo: AFP

In 1997, she hosted the All Blacks at Buckingham Palace, and again in 2002 and 2005.

During her 2002 Golden (50th) Jubilee tour, she visited New Zealand from 22-27 February. She met with then-prime minister Helen Clark, governor-general Dame Sylvia Cartwright, Team New Zealand members and the late Sir Edmund Hillary, among others.

While she didn't return after this visit, she has hosted New Zealanders at Buckingham Palace in recent years.

Queen Elizabeth, pictured with then-prime minister Helen Clark, meets with the Team New Zealand skipper at the time, Dean Barker, during her last visit to New Zealand Photo: AFP

In 2008, the Queen joined the All Blacks and then-prime minister John Key as they visited the 'New Zealand Giant Rugby Ball' near Tower Bridge in central London.

In 2013, she presented Prince Philip with New Zealand's highest honour, the Order of New Zealand in the presence of Sir Lockwood Smith, High Commissioner for New Zealand, at Buckingham Palace.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and her partner Clarke Gayford meet with the Queen at Buckingham Palace in 2018. Photo: AFP

In 2018, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and partner Clarke Gayford were hosted by the Queen at Buckingham Palace. More recently, she held a Zoom call with new Governor General Dame Cindy Kiro, prior to her being sworn in. Prior to Covid, the investee would have visited a Royal residence, usually Buckingham Palace, with members of their family, to receive their insignia.

While the Queen had not visited New Zealand for almost 20 years, her children and great grandchildren had.

In March, 2011, Prince William, The Duke of Cambridge, visited New Zealand to mark the Christchurch earthquake a month earlier and the Pike River mine disaster in November, 2010.

Governor-General Jerry Mateparae, right, toasts with Prince William, Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge, and Prime Minister John Key as they unveil a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II by New Zealand artist Nick Cuthell during a state reception at Government House in Wellington in April 2010. Photo: AFP

He returned in 2014 with his wife Kate and their infant son George. While here, the Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge unveiled a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, painted by New Zealand artist Nick Cuthell during a state reception at Government House.

In 2012, Prince Charles, Duke of Cornwall and Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall visited New Zealand to celebrate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.

In 2018, Harry, Duke of Sussex, and his wife Meghan visited New Zealand five months after their wedding.

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Queen Elizabeth II's connection to New Zealand

Queen Elizabeth II passed away on 8 September 2022. Read on to learn more about the connections she shared with New Zealand during her reign.

The Queen Meets The Māori Queen, Dame Te Arikinui Te Atairangikaahu in 1995, Accompanied By Prime Minister Jim Bolger (left) and Minister In Charge Of Treaty Negotiations Sir Douglas Graham.

Source: Alexander Turnbull Library. Reference: EP/1995/4375B/33A-F

At the same time I want to show that the Crown is not merely an abstract symbol of our unity but a personal and living bond between you and me. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, December 25 1953

The Sovereign is the source of all executive legal authority in New Zealand, and acts on the advice of the Government in all but the most exceptional circumstances. The Sovereign is represented in New Zealand by the Governor-General. During Queen Elizabeth’s reign, 16 people held this role including the current Governor-General, Rt Hon Dame Cindy Kiro. 

Visits to New Zealand

Queen Elizabeth II visited New Zealand 10 times during her reign.

23 Dec 1953 to 31 Jan 1954 :

Queen Elizabeth II opening Parliament during her visit to New Zealand, photographed at the top of Parliament steps on 13 February 1963 by an Evening Post Staff photographer.

Source: Queen Elizabeth II opening Parliament, Wellington. Dominion Post (Newspaper): Photographic negatives and prints of the Evening Post and Dominion newspapers. Ref: EP/1963/0554-F. Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand. /records/22335510

Following her coronation in June 1953, the Queen visited New Zealand for over a month, during which she opened a special session of Parliament, laid the foundation stone of the Anglican Cathedral, and visited numerous towns and cities.

King Korokī Greets Queen Elizabeth II At Tūrangawaewae On 30 December 1953.

Source: Alexander Turnbull Library Reference: F 135752 1/2

6 to18 February 1963

During this tour the Queen attended celebrations at Waitangi and the Queen Elizabeth II Arts Council was established as New Zealand's gift to the Queen.

12 to 30 March 1970

The Queen participated in the James Cook bicentenary celebrations and introduced Prince Charles and Princess Anne to New Zealand. This tour marked the first 'walk-about' in a Royal visit, where the Queen did a walk-about of the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting (CHOGM) venue and met with ordinary people.

30 January to 8 February 1974

Accompanied by the Duke of Edinburgh, Princess Anne, Captain Mark Phillips, and the Prince of Wales, the Queen attended the Commonwealth Games in Christchurch and New Zealand Day events at Waitangi.

Queen Elizabeth, Prince Charles, The Duke Of Edinburgh, And Prime Minister Norman Kirk At Waitangi On 6 February 1974.

Source: Alexander Turnbull Library Reference: EP/1974/0611/23A-F

22 February to 7 March 1977

Beehive interior, Parliament Buildings, Wellington, with tapestries by Guy Ngan, during the opening of Parliament by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Dominion post (Newspaper): Photographic negatives and prints of the Evening Post and Dominion newspapers. Ref: EP/1977/0782/13a. Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand. http://natlib.govt.nz/records/22883183

Source: Alexander Turnbull Library

Part of a Commonwealth tour designed to mark the Queen's Silver Jubilee, the Queen opened the Beehive while here.

12 to 20 October 1981

The Queen paid a short visit to New Zealand following her visit to Melbourne for a CHOGM.

22 February to 2 March 1986

The Queen visited six centres in New Zealand. When in Nelson, she officially opened the road named in her honour, Queen Elizabeth II Drive.

1 to 16 February 1990

The Queen’s silver relay baton from the 1990 Commonwealth Games held in Auckland.

Source: Parliamentary Service

The Queen closed the Commonwealth Games in Auckland and took part in the events marking the sesquicentennial of the Treaty of Waitangi. The Queen’s silver relay baton from the Commonwealth Games is held in the Parliamentary collection.

1 to 10 November 1995

Source: Woolf Photography

The Queen attended the CHOGM in Auckland. During this visit the Queen personally delivered an apology from the British Crown to the Tainui people, as part of the Waikato–Tainui treaty settlement ( click here to read an article on Māori and the Monarchy to learn more ).

22 to 27 February 2002

The Queen visited New Zealand as part of the commemoration of her 50th Jubilee. While here, the Queen unveiled the consecration stone at St Paul's Cathedral, and visited Burnham military camp and Team New Zealand at their America’s Cup base.

Queen Elizabeth II and NZ Parliament

The Queen opened a special session of Parliament in 1954 (Parliament’s centennial year). This was the first time a reigning monarch had opened New Zealand’s Parliament. She would open Parliament another six times during visits to the country, with the last time being in February 1990.

In February 1977, the Queen formally opened the Beehive.

Queen Elizabeth opening Parliament in 1970.

Source: Visit of Queen Elizabeth II, opening of Parliament and visit to Wellington Hospital. Westra, Ans, 1936-: Photographs. Ref: AW-0004. Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand. /records/36407503

Messages for New Zealand

New Zealand Was Centre Stage On 25 December 1953 when Queen Elizabeth Broadcast Her Christmas Message To The Empire Commonwealth From Government House, Auckland.

Source: Alexander Turnbull Library Reference: F 42173 1/2

Queen Elizabeth made her 1953 Christmas broadcast from Government House in Auckland . In it she said:

“But what is really important to me is that I set out on this journey in order to see as much as possible of the people and countries of the Commonwealth and Empire, to learn at first hand something of their triumphs and difficulties and something of their hopes and fears.

“At the same time I want to show that the Crown is not merely an abstract symbol of our unity but a personal and living bond between you and me.”

Queen Elizabeth II wearing her New Zealand honours, including a Diamond Fern brooch presented to her by the women of Auckland in 1953

Source: Government House

The Tangiwai disaster had occurred the day before, and the Queen specifically directed a message of sympathy to the people of New Zealand towards the end of her broadcast:

“And now I want to say something to my people in New Zealand. Last night a most grievous railway accident took place at Tangiwai which will have brought tragedy into many homes and sorrow into all upon this Christmas day.

“I know there is no one in New Zealand, and indeed throughout the Commonwealth, who will not join with my husband and me in sending to those who mourn a message of sympathy in their loss. I pray that they and all who have been injured may be comforted and strengthened.”

Instead of radio broadcasts, in recent years the Royal family have issued statements to commemorate significant anniversaries, tragic events, or even to celebrate achievements for our country, such as the All Blacks' 2015 Rugby World Cup victory.

You can read some of these statements by clicking the following links:  the Pike River Mine tragedy ,   the 2011 Canterbury Earthquakes ,   or  the 2019 Christchurch Mosque Attacks.

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The Queen's long-lasting relationship with NZ

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• First published on RNZ

Months after her coronation in early 1953, the Queen and her husband, the late Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, headed to New Zealand where they spent Christmas and New Year's.

The Queen visited Dunedin in January 1954 where she was surrounded by a mass of flag-waving children at Forbury Park Racecourse in January 26, 1954.

During her nearly month-long tour, the Queen visited 46 towns and cities and attended more than 100 separate functions.

The visit heightened interest in the royals, with crowds flocking to the public events.

In Tirau, 10,000 people turned up to welcome her, and one woman even saw her 30 times.

On 12 January she opened Parliament - it was the first time a reigning monarch had opened Parliament.

A visit to Waitangi was added to the itinerary after it was initially omitted.

The Queen came back with her young family in March 1970, introducing Prince Charles and Princess Anne, before heading to Australia.

The Queen and Prince Philip also attended the 1974 Commonwealth Games, held in Christchurch in January and February.

The now-demolished QEII Park was built for the event. The royal couple took a motorcade around the stadium track and Queen Elizabeth presented medals to winners. She went to Waitangi events.

In 1977, she was back, this time to mark her Silver (25th) Jubilee.

She was in the country from 22 February to 7 March. She visited 11 centres and opened the Beehive on 28 February 1977.

The Queen returned for the Auckland Commonwealth Games in February 1990, and officially closed the event.

In October and November 1995, the Queen was in Auckland for a summit meeting of the heads of government from the Commonwealth nations.

During her visit, she personally delivered an apology from the Crown to the Tainui people, which formed part of the Waikato-Tainui treaty settlement.

In 1997, she hosted the All Blacks at Buckingham Palace, and again in 2002 and 2005.

While she didn't return after this visit, she has hosted New Zealanders at Buckingham Palace in recent years.

In 2008, the Queen joined the All Blacks and then-prime minister John Key as they visited the 'New Zealand Giant Rugby Ball' near Tower Bridge in central London.

In 2013, she presented Prince Philip with New Zealand's highest honour, the Order of New Zealand in the presence of Sir Lockwood Smith, High Commissioner for New Zealand, at Buckingham Palace.

In 2018, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and partner Clarke Gayford were hosted by the Queen at Buckingham Palace.

More recently, she held a Zoom call with new Governor General Dame Cindy Kiro, prior to her being sworn in. Prior to Covid, the investee would have visited a Royal residence, usually Buckingham Palace, with members of their family, to receive their insignia.

In March, 2011, Prince William, The Duke of Cambridge, visited New Zealand to mark the Christchurch earthquake a month earlier and the Pike River mine disaster in November, 2010.

He returned in 2014 with his wife Kate and their infant son George. While here, the Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge unveiled a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, painted by New Zealand artist Nick Cuthell during a state reception at Government House.

In 2012, Prince Charles, Duke of Cornwall and Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall visited New Zealand to celebrate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.

In 2018, Harry, Duke of Sussex, and his wife Meghan visited New Zealand five months after their wedding.

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1 Dollar - Elizabeth II 2nd Portrait; Royal Visit

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Royal Visit - Mount Cook

Second crowned portrait of HM Queen Elizabeth II right, wearing the Girls of Great Britain and Ireland tiara, legend around, date below.

Script: Latin

Lettering: ELIZABETH II NEW ZEALAND 1970

Designer: Arnold Machin

Image of Mount Cook, legend above, denomination below.

Lettering: MOUNT COOK AORANGI ONE DOLLAR

Translation: AORANGI - Cloud Piercer in Maori

Designer: George James Berry

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Queen Elizabeth II – Her coronation and first visit to New Zealand in 1953

New Zealanders celebrated two royal events in 1953. In the middle of the year, their new monarch Elizabeth II was crowned; six months later she came to Aotearoa New Zealand in person.

A royal year

Many souvenirs were made to mark these happy occasions, some were unique and hand-made, others were mass-produced, but all were mementos of the beginning of what was called ‘the new Elizabethan age’.

In June, Elizabeth II was crowned Queen of the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Ceylon (now Sri Lanka), and Pakistan, and became the Head of the Commonwealth.

The coronation on 2 June was especially memorable for New Zealanders, as it coincided with news of Edmund Hillary and Sherpa Tenza Norgay reaching the summit of Mt Everest. The Acting Prime Minster of New Zealand described the conquest as ‘a most fitting gift for her Majesty’s Coronation’.

Touring New Zealand

At the end of December 1953, Queen Elizabeth arrived in New Zealand. She and her husband, Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, stayed for almost six weeks, travelling through Aotearoa New Zealand as part of a six-month tour of the Commonwealth.

Their itinerary took the couple to 46 towns and cities. This was the first time a reigning monarch of New Zealand had visited – the previous five royal visits had been made by brothers or sons of monarchs.

Crowds flocked to see them. It is estimated that almost three out of every four New Zealanders turned out to catch a glimpse of their new Queen.

This photograph shows spectators watching Queen Elizabeth II’s cavalcade driving through the Basin Reserve in Wellington. It was taken on the last day of the Queen’s stay in the capital, before she and the Duke of Edinburgh flew to the South Island.  Queen's visit, December 1953-January 1954 ... , 16 January 1954, by Leslie Adkin. Te Papa (A.008487)

Royal visit badge , maker unknown, about 1953. Gift of the Guard family, 1993. Te Papa (GH004728)

This bottle top is from a collection of about 250 bottle tops collated by Toby Stevenson when he was aged 7–11 years old, between 1965–1969. Toby recalls his interest was sparked by two Queen Elizabeth II coronation bottle tops that had been kept by his grandmother. She gave them to him and he proceeded to collect bottle tops wherever he could.  Bottle top , about 1954, maker unknown. Gift of Toby Stevenson, 2011. Te Papa (GH021674/1)

This scrapbook was compiled by 10-year-old Cathryn Riley for the Royal Tour of Queen Elizabeth II to New Zealand in 1953-54. Cathryn was invited to see the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh at a special Children's Function at Athletic Park on 12 January 1954. She kept this detailed scrapbook with tickets, newspaper cuttings and other ephemera from the Royal Visit.

Scrapbook, 'The Coronation Royal Visit' , Cathryn Riley; compiler; 1953-1954; New Zealand. Gift of Cathryn Riley, 2014. Te Papa (GH024283)

This badge was created to commemorate the visit of Queen Elizabeth II to New Zealand in 1953-54, and was worn by a young boy who saw her on tour in Devonport, Auckland. Royal Tour badge , 1953, New Zealand, maker unknown. Gift of Tony Mackle, 2011. CC BY-NC-ND 4.0. Te Papa (GH021362)

Imperial links

At the time, the tour celebrated and confirmed the ongoing importance of British culture and tradition to New Zealanders. People waved Union Jacks, not the New Zealand flag. Red, white, and blue floral displays were the order of the day.