New Zealand remembers Queen Elizabeth II

Jacinda Ardern
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern will read an extract from the Queen's first royal visit to NZ. -AP

Sixteen days after her death, New Zealand's turn to reflect on the life of Queen Elizabeth II has arrived, with a memorial service and national minute of silence.

At 2pm (NZDT) on Monday, New Zealanders will stop for the minute of reflection, which comes at the top of the service at Wellington Cathedral of St Paul.

Governor General Dame Cindy Kiro will lead tributes for the monarch in the capital, with dignitaries and officials in attendance including current and former governors general, prime ministers, MPs and mayors.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern will read an extract from the Queen's first royal visit to New Zealand in 1953-54 describing the Queen's departure from the country.

Queen Elizabeth laid the foundation stone for the cathedral, which maintains prayer books from that visit, 68 years ago.

Following Ms Ardern, Dame Cindy will reflect on the seventy years of the Queen's reign and her relationship with New Zealand.

Attendees will be invited to sing Psalm 23, beginning "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want", the same tune sung at her wedding to the Duke of Edinburgh in 1947 and at her state funeral last week.

Several clergy are involved in leading the service, including Bishop of Wellington; Justin Duckworth, Pihopa o Te Upoko o Te Ika; Waitohiariki Quayle, and the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Wellington; Cardinal John Dew.

The New Zealand Defence Force will provide a 65-person band, accompanying young choristers from the cathedral and a nationally selected choir.

Piper Murray Mansfield, New Zealand's leading bagpiper, will also perform, and young people will be invited to light candles in rememberance.

The service will be the last time the Queen's personal flag for New Zealand will be paraded by the New Zealand Defence Force.

A new royal standard for King Charles III will be designed in due course.