A Tribute to Queen Elizabeth II
LIFETIME OF SERVICE
The Aspen Institute New Zealand leadership collectively have had a long and memorable association with the Queen in their respective official roles representing New Zealand.
Co-Patron and Chair, Sir Don McKinnon, former Minister of Foreign Affairs and Deputy Prime Minister of New Zealand, came to know Queen Elizabeth well during his nine years as Secretary General of the Commonwealth.
"I felt an enormous privilege knowing her during that time ... you knew she was on top of the issues and that she always felt there was much we could do for the Commonwealth. My enduring memory ... very smart, with a great sense of humour, and always interested in what was going on from farming to horses to the latest on the All Blacks and Black Caps. The Queen has always contributed an aura of stability when the political world is in convulsions."
Co-Patron, Helen Clark, former Prime Minister of New Zealand, met with the Queen several times, said her death was a cause for reflection for many people.
"Queen Elizabeth's early pledge to dedicate her life to the British Empire was 'incredible'. She said, 'I will serve until the day I die' and she literally did ... embodied a selflessness not always seen in leaders around the world."
Trustee and Director, Dame Patsy Reddy, former Governor General, met the Queen on several occasions and they wrote to each other regularly.
" .. put totally at ease by the Queen’s 'seemingly effortless' and 'down to earth' nature. Her death was a moment for reflection and to acknowledge her legacy and 'most wonderful service', the like of which we were unlikely to see again."
