New Zealand Flag to fly at half-mast

Memorial Service of Sir Michael Hardie Boys, former Governor-General 

Wednesday, 31 January 2024, 8AM – 5PM (or building open hours)

As a mark of mourning and respect and in accordance with protocol, the New Zealand Flag is to be flown at half-mast on all Government and public buildings on Wednesday, 31 January 2024 on the occasion of the Memorial Service to mark the death of Sir Michael Hardie Boys, former Governor-General.

The New Zealand Flag should be flown at half-mast all day on Wednesday, 31 January 2024. This instruction applies to all Government Departments, buildings and naval vessels which have flag poles and normally fly the New Zealand Flag. The Flag should be returned to full mast at the close of business hours on Wednesday, 31 January 2024. 

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.  At the end of the day, the flag should be raised again to the top of the flagpole before being fully lowered. For more information about half-masting the flag, visit the Ministry's website.

If you have any questions, please email [email protected]. Media enquiries should be directed to 027 622 0468.