New Zealand flags have been raised to full mast on all Government departments, buildings and naval vessels this morning to mark the accession to the throne of His Majesty King Charles III.

A ceremony is also being held at Parliament today (11 Sept) to proclaim the new Sovereign as King Charles III of New Zealand.

The Proclamation Day decree, which recognises the days national and constitutional significance, starts at 8am today and ends at 5pm when flags must again be lowered to half mast.

Flags continue to be flown at half-mast up to and including the day of the State Memorial Service in New Zealand of Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

The New Zealand Flag is flown at full mast on days of national commemoration, that are of particular importance and significance to us as a nation. Other days on which Government buildings are also required to fly the New Zealand Flag at full mast are; Waitangi Day, Commonwealth Day, Anzac Day and Te Rā Aro ki a Matariki/Matariki Observance Day.

The flag is half-masted by first raising it to the top of the mast and then immediately lowering it slowly to the half-mast position. The half-mast position will depend on the size of the flag and the length of the flagpole. The flag must be lowered to a position recognisably ‘half-mast’ to avoid the appearance of a flag which has accidentally fallen away from the top of the flagpole. As a guide, the flag should be more than its own depth from the top of the flagpole.

CLICK HERE for more information about half-masting the flag.