It might not be the Queue, but it’s certainly a queue. Stewart Sowman-Lund joined the crowd.

Hundreds of people were spotted queuing in West Auckland this morning, including dozens who had braved the cold overnight.

It’s the latest in a series of queues that have formed around the world in recent weeks, most prominently for the Queen’s lying in state in London. Just like in Westminster, those queuing in Westgate also passed by a coffin, though few stopped to pay their respects. There were fewer journalists reporting on this queue too.

In the line, which initially snaked around a large building and down a nearby street, people could be spotted with blankets and camp chairs. There were also reports people had spent the night camped out in their cars. 

It was still dark when The Spinoff arrived on Wednesday morning but the atmosphere in the queue was of excitement, not mourning. 

The Queue outside Westminster Hall was about 16km long. The Westgate queue was probably more like 100 metres but the level of anticipation at what participants were about to witness, and the historic moment that was unfolding, was surely equal.

Selected VIPs were able to bypass the queue and enter early, though it’s unlikely they’ll face the same level of public scorn as Phillip Schofield. One of those allowed in without the need to join the queue was outgoing Auckland mayor Phil Goff, who was pictured stopping for a moment of quiet reflection by the coffin.

It’s unknown whether the photo op was a purposeful metaphor for his political career, which will end in some way on October 8 when local government voting closes.

At about 7am this morning, the queue started to shuffle forward. The murmurs of excitement grew as members of the public were allowed inside. There were cheers as a ribbon was cut somewhere in the distance, though only a lucky few were close enough to witness this moment. 

One man spoken to by The Spinoff said he was most excited by the range of “clothing” which was available at “excellent prices”. Another woman said she had been part of the queue and was on the hunt for Christmas presents. “These are things you can’t get anywhere else,” she said. Hotdogs were also popular among those who had queued and were available for only $1.99. They could be found just next to the coffin (and came with a refillable soda).

On social media, some pointed out that the last time they had seen people queuing to this extent was during the Covid-19 lockdowns. “Reminds me of the panic shoppers,” said one person. In similar scenes to during the pandemic, people were seen with bulk amounts of toilet paper, though this time it was acceptable.

Back outside, the queue had returned to its initial length by about 10am and once again twisted around the foyer and out onto the neighbouring street. There were reports of traffic congestion and significant delays for getting into the nearby carpark. “Is the shop going somewhere is that the reason for the camping and early long lines,” questioned one Facebook commenter. The Spinoff can confirm the shop, which we should probably point out is New Zealand’s first Costco warehouse, is not going anywhere.

Costco is now open in Westgate, 10am Sunday to Friday and 9.30am on Saturday.