Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has sent her condolences to King Charles over the death of his mother, the late Queen Elizabeth II.
"On behalf of the Government of New Zealand I wish to express my sincere condolences on the death of Her Majesty The Queen, your mother," Ardern wrote in the letter.
"As Queen of New Zealand, Her Majesty was loved for her grace, calmness, dedication, and public service. Her affection for New Zealand and its people was clear, and it was an affection that was shared.
"Her Majesty was an important part of all our lives throughout her reign - but she was first and foremost a daughter, a sister, a mother, and a grandmother.
"You have our deepest sympathies for her loss but also our gratitude for her extraordinary life of service."
The UK's longest-serving monarch died peacefully on Thursday (local time) at her Balmoral home aged 96, following 70 years on the throne.
Following news of Her Majesty's death, Ardern expressed her deep sadness and sympathies to the Royal Family.
"I know that I speak for people across New Zealand in offering our deepest sympathy to members of the Royal Family at the passing of the Queen. To us she was a much admired and respected monarch, to them she was a mother and grandmother," Ardern said in an earlier statement.
"The Queen was a much loved and admired monarch, whose record reign of 70 years is an absolute testament to her, and her commitment to us all. She was extraordinary."
Ardern told Newshub on Friday after sending the message of condolence to King Charles she will follow up with some more personal messages.
Ardern and Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro are expected to attend the Queen's funeral on September 18 at London's Westminster Abbey.
Ardern had planned to attend the UN General Assembly Leaders week on the same week as the funeral, however, she said she will prioritise representing New Zealand and passing on the country's condolences at the Queen's funeral if the dates clash.
