Big questions are being asked over the reaction to the death of a Saudi king, who's being labelled a torturing misogynist.

Amnesty International are among those criticising the reign of the late King Abdullah, raising concerns over human rights issues in the country.

This comes as flags were flown at half mast at the Beehive and Auckland Harbour Bridge, on John Key's instruction.

That drew reaction from some - among them Amnesty International and Hamish Keith who labelled King Abdullah as a torturing misogynist.

UK correspondent Malcolm Stuart told Newstalk ZB's Mike Hosking Buckingham Palace and the British Houses of Parliament did the same.

"And then without advance notice, David Cameron and Prince Charles took off to Riyadh to commemorate the by now buried monarch and paid their respects to his successor."

Stuart says Abdullah's reign is coming under scrutiny.

"And this is as we have this considerable controversy over the decision to flog a Saudi blogger 1000 lashes and 10 years in jail."