Summer of certainty after hard years

• Author: Tangi Utikere is the MP for Palmerston North. Tangi Utikere
• Published date: 29 September 2022
• Publication title: Guardian, The

As the only sovereign many of us have ever known, she demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to service, and I have no doubt this dedication is how she will be remembered for many years to come

Never before have many of us seen a ceremony, or military display, on such a scale as during her funeral last week.

It was incredibly moving to see the Queen’s life celebrated in this way, and our deepest sympathies are with the members of the royal family during this time.

I was honoured to attend the Proclamation of Accession ceremony on the steps of Parliament, to acknowledge the accession of our new sovereign, King Charles III.

Because the last time this ceremony occurred was 70 years ago, it was special to be there for this historic event.

This month has also brought the removal of the COVID-19 Protection Framework.

While the past few years have not always been easy, we’ve pulled together and are now in a position to move forward with greater confidence and certainty.

Mask-wearing requirements have been removed except in healthcare and aged-care settings, and we’ve also changed the requirements around household isolation.

So it’s now only...