What led to the signing of the most important document in New Zealand s history?
A gun salute honouring Queen Elizabeth s ascending to the throne has come under fire from a Wellington city councillor, who has called for organisers to think about the purpose of these celebrations. On Tuesday, the New Zealand Defence Force announced it would be firing a 21-gun salute at Pt Jerningham saluting battery on February 6. The site is at Roseneath Memorial Park. Salutes honouring the Royal Family have been planned from February to June and a 21-gun salute will also occur at Waitangi on February 6. According to the New Zealand Defence Force, gun salutes grew from a naval tradition – a ship would fire its cannons to show its guns were empty, letting people know it had no hostile intent.