A 21-gun salute is underway in Wellington to mark the 70th anniversary of the Queen's accession to the throne.
(File image) Photo: RNZ / Jonathan Mitchell
The Queen's Platinum Jubilee was celebrated yesterday, but the Defence Force does not carry out gun salutes on Sundays.
But for those wanting to watch, Lieutenant Colonel Dean Gerling told Karyn Hay that today's event would be over quite quickly, with just five to 10 seconds pause between each round.
"With Prince Philip's [salute] it was actually a minute between each round, so that was 40 minutes that we were standing there for his salute [when he died]."
Gerling was not sure if the weather would turn people off from going to see it, but he said it was a good spectacle to behold.
While the rounds fired would be blank ammunition, Gerling said they would ensure everyone close to the guns had hearing protection.
"It's basically like if you imagine a rifle being fired, but there's no cartridge in it, so nothing comes out, it all gets burnt up when we fire the guns.
"When we did the salute last year for Prince Philip's commemoration, when he passed, there was a massive crowd on the hill. So [we were] having to make sure all the children and adults there have appropriate hearing protection, because it is quite loud, and if you're not prepared, it can make people jump."
There will be about four gunners on each 25-pounder as well as a saluting and counting officer, and security on hand.
Monarchy New Zealand chair Sean Palmer said 70 years was a remarkable achievement that was worth celebrating.
"It is one of the bulwarks of our democracy and I think as long as monarchies have a spectacular track record of descending democracy, as they do, it will be relevant."
With the Queen's 70-year reign being the longest in the Commonwealth's modern history, Palmer said she was the definition of a true public servant.
The gun salute was usually held about four times a year, for various reasons, Gerling said.
In the past, the gun salute was a navy tradition in which warships would fire their cannons if they were going into another port and wanted to show they did not have hostile intentions, he said.
"Nowadays we do it for ceremonial activities, like the accession of Her Majesty the Queen."
The gun salute was due to get underway at midday.
