Governor-General Lt. Gen. The Rt. Hon. Sir Jerry Mateparae released a new emblem November 29th to mark the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II next year.
“Queen Elizabeth has been our Queen since 6 February 1952,” Sir Jerry said. “She continues to be held in very high regard by the people of this country. As her representative in New Zealand I’m delighted to release this beautiful emblem, which honours her 60 years as our sovereign.”
The shape of the emblem refers to the diamond (or 60th) anniversary, and the colour alludes to New Zealand’s highly prized pounamu.
The emblem contains the Royal Cypher (the letters and Roman numeral, E II R), which is the personal emblem of The Queen.
Also featured is the Royal Crown (St Edward’s Crown) which is part of the New Zealand Coat of Arms and represents the fact that The Queen is the New Zealand Head of State.
