Jacinda Ardern: The Queen was 'utterly and completely devoted'

The Prime Minister said the country has moved into a period of official mourning in light of the Queen's death, describing it as a time of deep sadness.

Jacinda Ardern speaks about the death of the Queen.

Jacinda Ardern was woken up to the news and "had a police officer shine a torch in my room at ten to five this morning".

She had been reading the news of the Queen's health the previous night.

"When that torch light came into my room I knew immediately what had happened.

"I am profoundly sad."

The Prime Minister was woken early on Friday morning with the sad news.

Ardern said New Zealand will hold a state memorial service, after the UK's official service that would be in about 10 days' time.

"We share our thanks for an incredible woman we were lucky enough to call our Queen." Ardern said.

"She was working to the very end, for the people she loved."

Ardern said the Queen was "utterly and completely devoted to the service of others".

The Monarch died after 70 years on the throne, aged 96.

"Her commitment to the role and all our us has been without question and unwavering.

"She was extraordinary.'