Monarchy NZ holding celebration luncheon today

The Queen is being credited with helping hold democracy together in New Zealand.

Monarchy New Zealand is holding a luncheon for around eighty of its members in Auckland today to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee.

Chair Dr Sean Palmer says her number one achievement in New Zealand has been her contribution to constitutional stability and democratic security.

He says democracy has crumbled in many nations in every corner of the globe over the past 60 years.

"But not the countries that Queen Elizabeth has been head of state in. The vast majority of constitutional monarchies are very stable, very secure democracies."

He says those attending the luncheon are a very diverse bunch and not the old school monarchists you might imagine.

He says they won't be dressing up or waving Union Jack flags.

"It's a much younger crowd and it's much more focused on New Zealand now than it used to be so this is very much a celebration for the Queen of New Zealand's jubilee."

Dr Palmer says members are looking forward to a visit from Prince Charles and his wife Camilla in November.

He says the Queen has done an excellent job as Head of State, and to have done it for 60 years is quite extraordinary.

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