Aotearoa, New Zealand, is celebrating King Charles III's birthday this weekend even though he’s not officially 76 until November.
The local tradition of honouring the British monarch’s birthday on the first Monday in June is a longstanding one.
Australia celebrates a week after New Zealand, while Canada's is the preceding Monday.
For many Kiwis, the King’s Birthday – like Queen Elizabeth II before it – is popular because of the statutory holiday it delivers.
A day off on Monday, June 3, signals a long weekend followed by a four-day working week.
New Zealanders around the country 1News spoke to were looking forward to spending time with family and friends, heading away for a break or just relaxing at home.
One couple walking along Auckland’s Ponsonby Rd said it was a chance to take some time out together and leave their sleeping teenagers at home.
“To be honest, we’re just relaxing. Monday to Friday is so full-on having two teenage girls,” the couple said with a laugh.
“This is a good breakout time for us to get out and have a chat.”
Stallholders were up early preparing their goods for sale at a central city market in Wellington. Some expected it would be quieter than usual because some regulars would be away.
But one visitor to Wellington said he and his partner had come into the city to look around.
“The King’s Birthday itself doesn’t mean a lot and because I’m retired, I don’t get a day off either,” one man said. “But we’re coming into Wellington to look at art galleries and look around so yeah, it’s a great weekend.”
On the King himself, views around the country were mixed.
Some Wellingtonians thought the constitutional connections were good for New Zealand and the relationship worked well.
Others thought it was only a matter of time until Aotearoa New Zealand became a republic, even though they thought King Charles III was doing a good job.
Monarchy NZ believes the King is doing well in a huge job that offers many challenges and very little privacy.
Labour MP Willie Jackson says many people he knows are respectful of the monarchy but believes the country is moving towards establishing its own identity.
Many Māori responded to Te Pati Māori’s call this week for a nationwide protest against the Government and appeared to support the concept of an independent Māori Parliament.
Debate over this issue looks set to be ongoing.
In the meantime, thousands of Kiwis are looking forward to a day off on Monday.
The formalities include 21 gun salutes in Auckland and Wellington.
A host of New Zealanders will also be awarded King’s Birthday Honours.
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