Gun Salutes
Gun salutes are symbolic. They're a show of respect for an important authority. Learn more below.
The origin of gun salutes
The practise of firing gun salutes grew from naval tradition. An approaching warship would fire its cannons to show that its guns were empty, demonstrating they were unloaded and they had no hostile intent. Today all salutes are fired with blank cartridges - be it artillery, ship's guns, or small arms.
21-gun salutes
The 21-gun salutes fired annually and on designated state occasions as detailed above are fired by the NZ Army’s 16th Field Regiment at Point Jerningham using the four 25-pounder guns that are stored at that location. On occasions when a 21-gun salute is conducted as part of a state welcome ceremony, the gun salute is usually fired from the grounds of Government House using four 105mm L119 Light Guns.
21-gun salutes are fired on state occasions such as:
- The Swearing-In Ceremony for the Governor-General
- The Farewell Ceremony for the Governor-General
- The State Opening of Parliament.
When and where to experience a gun salute
21-gun salutes are fired annually from Wellington's Point Jerningham at midday for:
| The Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III |
6 May |
| The birthday (official as observed in New Zealand) of His Majesty King Charles III |
1st Mon June |
| The birthday of Her Majesty The Queen Consort |
17 July |
| The accession of His Majesty King Charles III |
8 September |
| The birthday (actual) of His Majesty King Charles III | 14 November |
Gun salutes are not held on Sundays. When the anniversary date falls on a Sunday, the salute timing moves to the Monday following.
Watch below the 100-Gun Salute supporting the Armistice Centenary National Ceremony video.
100-Gun Salute supporting the Armistice Centenary National Ceremony:
100-Gun Salute supporting the Armistice Centenary National Ceremony
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