Jacinda Arden announces public holiday to mark Queen's death

Prime Minister Jacinda Arden has announced New Zealand will mark Queen Elizabeth II's death with a one-off public holiday on September 26.

Ardern said a State Memorial Service for the late monarch would also be held in the Wellington Cathedral of St Paul on the same day.

The event would be televised and live-streamed.

"As New Zealand's Queen and much loved Sovereign for over 70 years, it is appropriate that we mark her life of dedicated public service with a State Memorial Service and a one-off public holiday," Ardern said.

"Queen Elizabeth II was an extraordinary person and I know many New Zealanders will appreciate the opportunity to both mark her death and celebrate her life."

King Charles has announced that the day of the Queen's funeral – September 19 – would be a bank holiday in the UK and other countries have since followed suit, including Australia, which will have a public holiday on September 22.

A period of national mourning started immediately after the Queen's death was announced and will continue until the date of the National Memorial Service.