New Zealand

This article is part of the series: Politics and government of New Zealand Image File history File links Coat_of_arms_of_New_Zealand. ... Politics of New Zealand takes place in a framework of a parliamentary representative democratic monarchy. ...

Constitution Executive Sovereign Queen Elizabeth II Governor-General Hon. Anand Satyanand Executive Council Cabinet Prime Minister Rt Hon. Helen Clark Legislative Parliament House of Representatives Speaker of the House Official Opposition Leader of the Opposition Elections Electoral system Electorates Referendums Judicial Supreme Court Chief Justice Court of Appeal High Court Regional authorities Territorial authorities Unitary authority Politicians Political parties Political topics Māori politics Foreign relations

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Republicanism in New Zealand is a movement to change the country's current status as a Commonwealth realm and constitutional monarchy to that of a Commonwealth republic. New Zealand public opinion is split between those who support the monarchy, and those who support a republic^[1]. New Zealand is a constitutional monarchy and a Commonwealth Realm, with Queen Elizabeth II as its reigning monarch, since February 6, 1952. ... Elizabeth II in an official portrait as Queen of Canada (on the occasion of her Golden Jubilee in 2002, wearing the Sovereigns badges of the Order of Canada and the Order of Military Merit) Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II (Elizabeth Alexandra Mary) (born 21 April 1926), styled HM The... The Governor-General of New Zealand is the representative of the Sovereign in right of New Zealand (currently, Queen Elizabeth II). ... Anand Satyanand with Dame Silvia Cartwright Wikinews has news related to: New Governor-General of New Zealand announced Anand Satch[1] Satyanand, PCNZM (born 22 July 1944 in Auckland) is the Governor-General of New Zealand. ... The Executive Council of New Zealand is the body which provides the formal basis for the Cabinet. ... The New Zealand Cabinet functions as the policy and decision-making body of New Zealand governments executive branch. ... The Prime Minister of New Zealand is New Zealands head of government and is the leader of the party or coalition with majority support in the Parliament of New Zealand. ... For other persons named Helen Clark, see Helen Clark (disambiguation). ... A legislature is a type of representative deliberative assembly with the power to adopt laws. ... The Parliament of New Zealand consists of the Queen of New Zealand and the New Zealand House of Representatives and, until 1951, the New Zealand Legislative Council. ... The New Zealand House of Representatives is the legislature of New Zealand. ... In New Zealand the Speaker of the House of Representatives is the individual who chairs the countrys legislative body, the New Zealand House of Representatives (often also referred to as Parliament). The Speaker fulfils a number of important functions in relation to the operation the House, which is based... The Official Opposition in New Zealand is usually the largest political party or coalition which is not a member of the ruling government. ... The Leader of the Opposition in New Zealand is the politician who, at least in theory, leads the Opposition bloc in the New Zealand Parliament. ... Members of New Zealands House of Representatives, commonly called Parliament, normally gain their seats in nationwide general elections, or (less frequently) in by-elections. ... In New Zealand, an electorate is a voting district for Parliamentary elections. ... Referendums (or referenda) are held only occasionally by the government of New Zealand. ... The Politics series Politics Portal This box:      In law, the judiciary or judicial is the system of courts which administer justice in the name of the sovereign or state, a mechanism for the resolution of disputes. ... The Supreme Court of New Zealand is the highest court of appeal in New Zealand, having formally come into existence at the beginning of 2004, and sitting for the first time on 1 July 2004. ... The Chief Justice of New Zealand is the senior judge of the High Court of New Zealand, and presides over the Supreme Court of New Zealand. ... The Court of Appeal of New Zealand, located in Wellington, is New Zealand’s principal intermediate appellate court. ... The High Court of New Zealand was established in 1841 and known as the Supreme Court until 1980. ... Region is the formal term for the top tier of local government in New Zealand. ... Territorial authorities is the formal term for the second tier of local government in New Zealand, below regional councils. ... A unitary authority is a type of local authority, which has a single tier and is responsible for all local government functions within its area. ... The following is a list of New Zealand politicians, both past and present. ... New Zealand national politics feature a pervasive party system. ... This page lists a number of articles relating to issues, ideas, and events in New Zealand politics. ... Apirana Ngata, perhaps the most prominent Maori politician Māori politics is the politics of the Māori people, who were the original inhabitants of New Zealand and who are now the countrys largest minority. ... New Zealand’s foreign policy is oriented chiefly toward developed democratic nations and emerging Pacific economies. ... Information on politics by country is available for every country, including both de jure and de facto independent states, inhabited dependent territories, as well as areas of special sovereignty. ... The Commonwealth Realms, shown in pink A Commonwealth Realm is any one of the sixteen sovereign states within the Commonwealth of Nations that recognise Elizabeth II as their respective monarch. ... This does not cite any references or sources. ... The Commonwealth republics, shown in pink A Commonwealth republic is any one of the 31 sovereign states of the Commonwealth of Nations that have a republican form of government. ...

History

Traditionally, the term "republic" has been used in New Zealand to describe a sub-state independent of the central government. For example, residents of the tiny Taranaki town of Whangamomona declared their town a "republic" in 1989 to protest at the government's re-drawing of regional administrative boundaries, a protest group in Aramoana declared their town to be the Independent State of Aramoana in protest against proposals for an aluminium smelter in that town. View of Mount Taranaki or Mount Egmont from Stratford, facing west. ... The Whangamomona (39°8. ... Aramoana mudflats at the mouth of Otago Harbour Aramoana is a small coastal settlement, 27 kilometres north of Dunedin city, in the South Island of New Zealand. ... Stamps issued in 1981 by Aramoana to raise funds for the anti-smelter campaign. ...

19th century

The first use of the term "republic" to connote an independent state in New Zealand came in 1840 when Lieutenant Governor William Hobson described the New Zealand Company settlement of Port Nicholson (Wellington), which had its own governing council, as such ^[2]. Later, Wellington became the centre of agitation by settlers for representative government (which was finally granted by the New Zealand Constitution Act 1852). In particular Samuel Revans, who founded the Wellington Settlers' Constitutional Association in 1848, advocated a New Zealand republic. 1840 is a leap year starting on Wednesday (link will take you to calendar). ... William Hobson (September 26, 1792 - September 10, 1842), was the first Governor of New Zealand and co-author of the Treaty of Waitangi. ... The New Zealand Company formed in 1839 to promote the colonisation of New Zealand. ... For other uses, see Wellington (disambiguation). ... The New Zealand Constitution Act 1852 was the first enactment to grant the colony of New Zealand self-government. ... Samuel Revans (1807 or 1808 - 1888) was a New Zealand politician and newspaper owner. ...

In 1845 Ngapuhi chief Hone Heke, allegedly inspired by the United States of America, cut down the flagpole flying the Union Flag at Kororareka in the Bay of Islands. Heke was disgruntled at what he saw as the British Crown's failure to honour the Treaty of Waitangi, and he repeated this symbolic act of defiance three times, despite the armed resistance of British troops. 1845 was a common year starting on Wednesday (see link for calendar). ... Hone Heke with his wife Hariata, circa 1845 Hone Wiremu Heke Pokai (1810? - August 6, 1850) was a Māori chief and war leader in New Zealand. ... Flag Ratio: 1:2 The Union Flag (also known as the Union Jack; see discussion below) is the national flag of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. ... Russell, formerly known as Kororareka, was the first permanent European settlement in New Zealand. ... Russell, Bay of Islands Kerikeri, Bay of Islands Location of the Bay of Islands The Bay of Islands is an area in the Northland region of the North Island of New Zealand. ... One of the few extant copies of the Treaty of Waitangi The Treaty of Waitangi (Māori: Tiriti o Waitangi) was signed on February 6, 1840 at Waitangi in the Bay of Islands, New Zealand. ...

In 1867 the Māori prophet Te Whiti founded the passive resistance village of Parihaka ^[3], which has been variously described as a "republic" ^[4]. Cunt BAg Twat Fuk suck my penis ring 0778851865!!!!!!Year 1867 (MDCCCLXVII) was a common year starting on Tuesday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar (or a common year starting on Thursday of the of the 12-day slower Julian calendar). ... Languages Māori, English Religions Māori religion, Christianity Related ethnic groups other Polynesian peoples, Austronesian peoples The word Māori refers to the indigenous Polynesian peoples of New Zealand, and to their language. ... Te Whiti o Rongomai III (c. ... Parihaka, 19. ...

In 1879, Te Whiti and his followers launched a campaign of ploughing up European farms. Alarmed at the campaign against European settlement in Taranaki, and the lack of government response to this campaign, the people of Hawera declared themselves to be the Republic of Hawera ^[5], and formed their own volunteer units to oppose Te Whiti. The republic was superseded in 1881 when government troops invaded Parihaka and arrested Te Whiti. Te Whiti o Rongomai III (c. ... View of Mount Taranaki or Mount Egmont from Stratford, facing west. ... Location within New Zealand The water tower at Hawera With a population of 11,000 Hawera is the second largest town in the Taranaki region of New Zealands North Island. ... Te Whiti o Rongomai III (c. ... Year 1881 (MDCCCLXXXI) was a common year starting on Saturday (link will display the full calendar). ... Parihaka, 19. ... Te Whiti o Rongomai III (c. ...

20th century

It was not until the 1960s that republicanism resurfaced. Left-wing activist Bruce Jesson founded the anti-royal Republican Association of New Zealand in 1966, later moving to Auckland and forming a political party (the original Republican Party) to push the republic issue in 1967. The party had a stridently nationalist platform ^[6], included in its Manifesto of the New Zealand Republic the desire to legalise all forms of drugs. Activity in the Republican Party soon petered out, and Jesson wound up the party in 1974. He continued to publish a pro-republic broadsheet entitled The Republican, although the topics covered related to general left-wing issues rather than republicanism per se. In 1979 the Mana Māori Motuhake Party included republicanism as part of its policy platform. However, the issue was never raised as Mana Māori Motuhake became a member of the Alliance Party. The 1960s decade refers to the years from January 1, 1960 to December 31, 1969, inclusive. ... Bruce Jesson (1944 - 1999) was a leftwing journalist, author and political figure in New Zealand. ... The Republican Association of New Zealand was a political organisation in New Zealand with the aim of supporting the creation of a New Zealand republic. ... Year 1966 (MCMLXVI) was a common year starting on Saturday (link will display full calendar) of the 1966 Gregorian calendar. ... The New Zealand Republican Party of 1967 was a political party which campaigned for the creation of a New Zealand Republic. ... 1967 (MCMLXVII) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar (the link is to a full 1967 calendar). ... 1974 (MCMLXXIV) was a common year starting on Tuesday. ... Also: 1979 by Smashing Pumpkins. ... Mana Maori Motuhake is a Maori political party in New Zealand. ... Current Alliance logo The Alliance, when referring to New Zealand politics, refers to a left-wing political party. ...

Bolger initiates debate

Despite the republic issue rising to prominence in neighbouring Australia in 1992, the republic debate was not initiated in New Zealand until 1994. National Prime Minister Jim Bolger caused surprise by suggesting in his opening speech to the 44th Parliament in the 'Address In Reply' debate that New Zealand become a republic. Bolger claimed that New Zealand's traditional links with Britain were in decline, and that the country should acknowledge that "the tide of history is moving in one direction". Trevor Mallard interjected that "the Prime Minister has been reading Paul Keating's speeches", to which Bolger retorted: "I do not read Labor Party speeches" (Paul Keating was the pro-republican Prime Minister of Australia at the time). Year 1992 (MCMXCII) was a leap year starting on Wednesday (link will display full 1992 Gregorian calendar). ... Year 1994 (MCMXCIV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link will display full 1994 Gregorian calendar). ... The New Zealand National Party (National or the Nats) currently forms the second-largest (in terms of seats) political party represented in the New Zealand Parliament, and thus functions as the core of the parliamentary Opposition. ... The Prime Minister of New Zealand is New Zealands head of government and is the leader of the party or coalition with majority support in the Parliament of New Zealand. ... The Right Honourable James Brendan Jim Bolger (born 31 May 1935) was Prime Minister of New Zealand from 1990 to 1997. ... The 44th New Zealand Parliament was a term of the New Zealand. ... in particular, for the archaizing senses of republic, as a translation of politeia or res publica Forms of government Part of the Politics series Politics Portal This box:      A republic is a form of government maintained by a state or country whose sovereignty is based on popular consent and whose... Trevor Colin Mallard (born 17 June 1954) is a New Zealand politician. ... Paul John Keating (born January 18, 1944), was an Australian politician and the 24th Prime Minister of Australia, serving as Prime Minister from 1991 to 1996. ... This article needs additional references or sources for verification. ... Paul John Keating (born January 18, 1944), was an Australian politician and the 24th Prime Minister of Australia, serving as Prime Minister from 1991 to 1996. ...

The Republican Coalition of New Zealand was formed to promote the move to a republic as a response to the Prime Minister. The following year, the now defunct Republican Party was established with the aim of creating a republic, along with the Monarchist League of New Zealand which was established to defend the constitutional monarchy. Logo of the Republican Movement The Republican Movement of Aotearoa New Zealand is a non-partisan organization formed in 1994 whose object is to support the creation of a republic in New Zealand. ... There have been two separate groups called the New Zealand Republican Party. ... Queen Elizabeth IIs personal flag for New Zealand The Monarchist League of New Zealand, Inc. ...

However, public opinion did not respond to Bolger's call for a republic and most of Bolger's political opponents labelled the issue a distraction. Bolger's call came before the move to the MMP electoral system in 1996 which created a certain trepidation for further reform that was not present in Australia at that time. The New Zealand Parliament is the legislative body of the New Zealand government. ... Year 1996 (MCMXCVI) was a leap year starting on Monday (link will display full 1996 Gregorian calendar). ...

Jim Bolger, the son of Irish immigrants, has since denied that his views relate to his Irish heritage. His government ended the awarding of British honours in New Zealand, introducing a New Zealand Honours System. However, Bolger's successor, Jenny Shipley, did not share his enthusiasm for republicanism. Shipley noted during a visit in 1999 of the Princess Royal, "I am an unashamed royal supporter, along with many New Zealanders." The Right Honourable James Brendan Jim Bolger (born 31 May 1935) was Prime Minister of New Zealand from 1990 to 1997. ... The British honours system is a means of rewarding individuals personal bravery, achievement or service to the United Kingdom. ... // History Royal honours were awarded in New Zealand from the very beginning of settlement. ... Jenny Shipley, DCNZM, PC, (b. ... Year 1999 (MCMXCIX) was a common year starting on Friday (link will display full 1999 Gregorian calendar). ...

At a conference on the "Bolger years" in 2007, Bolger recalled speaking to the Queen about the issue of New Zealand becoming a republic: "I have more than once spoken with Her Majesty about my view that New Zealand would at some point elect its own Head of State, we discussed the matter in a most sensible way and she was in no way surprised or alarmed and neither did she cut my head off."^[7].

1999 Australian referendum

In 1999, under the presidency of Dave Guerin, the Republican Coalition of New Zealand relaunched itself as the Republican Movement of Aotearoa New Zealand, similar to the Australian Republican Movement to take advantage of increased coverage the issue was getting as a result of the Australian republic referendum, although it received relatively little media coverage in New Zealand. However, during the campaign Richard Nottage, the outgoing Secretary of Foreign Affairs and Trade, took the unusual step of calling for New Zealand to consider becoming a republic. Year 1999 (MCMXCIX) was a common year starting on Friday (link will display full 1999 Gregorian calendar). ... Logo of the Republican Movement The Republican Movement of Aotearoa New Zealand is a non-partisan organization formed in 1994 whose object is to support the creation of a republic in New Zealand. ... The Australian Republican Movement was founded in July 1991. ... The 1999 Australian republic referendum was a two question referendum held on 6 November 1999. ...

See also: 1999 Australian republic referendum

The 1999 Australian republic referendum was a two question referendum held on 6 November 1999. ...

The debate

Arguments for change

Supporters of a republic generally divide their case for a republic between constitutional and symbolic reasons:

Symbolic arguments include:

• New Zealand should have a New Zealander as its Head of state;
• New Zealand should have a "resident for President";
• New Zealand needs to assert its independence, nationhood and maturity to the world;
• New Zealand's constitution - and indeed the attitudes of New Zealanders - are republican in their outlook ^[8].

Constitutional arguments include: Queen Elizabeth II, is the Head of State of 16 countries including: the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Jamaica, New Zealand and the Bahamas, as well as crown colonies and overseas territories of the United Kingdom. ...

• New Zealand already maintains the Governor General - who is in the words of historian Gavin McLean a "virtual head of state"^[9]. The Governor-General is a New Zealander and does everything the head of state should do;
• The role and powers of the head of state should be clarified;
• Because the Governor-General and Sovereign have little real power, they are not an effective check on the Parliamentary executive (the Prime Minister and Cabinet), an elected or appointed head of state would be a more effective check on the the executive;
• The Prime Minister should not have the power to dismiss the Governor-General at will^[10];

Many republicans believe that the notions of hereditary, primogeniture, sexual discrimination and religious discrimination inherent in the succession of the throne have no place in New Zealand's democratic and egalitarian society. They also emphasise that government devolves from the consent of the governed, not from an abstract concept such as "the Crown". The Governor-General of New Zealand is the local representative of the Queen of New Zealand, Queen Elizabeth II, and as such is the highest office in the Government of New Zealand. ... The Prime Minister of New Zealand is New Zealands head of government and is the leader of the party or coalition with majority support in the Parliament of New Zealand. ...

Arguments against change

Supporters of the monarchy in New Zealand say: New Zealand is a constitutional monarchy and a Commonwealth Realm, with Queen Elizabeth II as its reigning monarch, since February 6, 1952. ...

• The current system works well; there is no need to change it. Constitutional monarchy is tried and proven system of government, some of the most politically stable nations in the world are constitutional monarchies; whereas some of the most unstable and repressive regimes have been republics. In the words of former Governor-General Sir Michael Hardie Boys "If it ain't broke, don't fix it"^[11].
• New Zealand is an independent, sovereign nation;
• The monarch is Queen of New Zealand, not Queen of the United Kingdom;
• The monarch is "above politics" and is a symbol of national unity rather than division;
• The monarch costs New Zealand virtually nothing; there is only the cost of maintaining the Governor-General;
• The monarch has little real practical political powers and is a protector of and not a threat to democracy;
• The monarch protects the people of New Zealand from the excesses of Parliament and the Cabinet;
• The monarch has served New Zealand well: providing leadership "above" politics, with great integrity and dedication to duty; and as a personal living symbol;

Some supporters of the monarchy defend hereditary selection of the Sovereign arguing that it is the most "natural" way to choose a non-partisan leader. Sir Michael Hardie Boys, GNZM, GCMG, QSO, PC, (born 1931) is a New Zealand jurist and was the countrys 17th Governor-General, from 1996 to 2001. ...

See also: Independence of New Zealand

The independence of New Zealand occurred gradually over the 20th century by a series of Royal proclamations, Imperial Conferences and Acts of the British and New Zealand Parliaments. ...

Support for a republic

Opinion polls

Most polls on the republic issue show that the New Zealand public supports by a majority the status quo. There is, however, a trend of increasing support for a republic. Generally, more younger New Zealanders tend to support a republic over the monarchy, whereas the reverse is true for older New Zealanders. Ethnically, more Māori support a republic than Pākehā^[13], despite concerns over the Treaty of Waitangi. These polls may be misleading, however, as there has been little debate on the issue to date. Languages Māori, English Religions Māori religion, Christianity Related ethnic groups other Polynesian peoples, Austronesian peoples The word Māori refers to the indigenous Polynesian peoples of New Zealand, and to their language. ... Pākehā is a term generally used to describe New Zealanders of Anglo/European extraction, but some Māori may use it to refer to any non-Māori person. ...

Current party political positions

None of the major political parties currently in Parliament have a policy of creating a republic.
New Zealand national politics feature a pervasive party system. ... The New Zealand Parliament is the legislative body of the New Zealand government. ...

Labour

Support for a republic is fairly strong within the governing Labour Party. Prime Minister Helen Clark has previously expressed her support for a republic, stating that she thinks a republic is "inevitable" and describing the role of the monarchy as "antiquated". Critics of Clark's government have often derided her support for a republic, claiming that the Prime Minister desires to be "President Helen"^[15] should New Zealand become a republic. Other ministers, such as David Cunliffe^[16], have expressed their support for a republic. Deputy Prime Minister Michael Cullen, however, has declared that he supports the monarchy. In 2004, Cullen said he was "a sort of token monarchist in the Cabinet these days"^[17]. The New Zealand Labour Party is a New Zealand political party. ... For other persons named Helen Clark, see Helen Clark (disambiguation). ... David Cunliffe closing the 2005 Auckland BioBlitz David Richard Cunliffe is a New Zealand politician. ... Michael Cullen The Hon. ...

National

The National Party's constitution specifies that the Party desires "Loyalty to our country, its democratic principles and our Sovereign as Head of State". However, a vote to remove reference to the Sovereign was held in April 2003 as part of the party's constitutional conference. It was not however motivated by republicanism, but rather as part of a reduction of the core principles of the party. It was defeated by only three votes, with over 200 members of the party voting. National MPs Richard Worth and Wayne Mapp have been some of the most vocal members of their party to defend the monarchy. The New Zealand National Party (National or the Nats) currently forms the second-largest (in terms of seats) political party represented in the New Zealand Parliament, and thus functions as the core of the parliamentary Opposition. ... 2003 (MMIII) was a common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Dr Richard Worth Dr. Richard Worth, OBE, VRD, OStJ (Born 1948) is a New Zealand politician. ... Dr. Wayne Daniel Mapp (1952 - ), a New Zealand politician, represents the National Party in the New Zealand Parliament. ...

Minor parties

Similarly, the socially conservative New Zealand First party and the ACT party generally oppose moves toward a republic, whereas support for a republic appears to be strongest amongst the supporters of the Green Party, though it is not the party's policy. For some years Green MP Keith Locke has had a Private Member's Bill, the Head of state (Referenda) Bill, waiting to be drawn from ballot on the issue. New Zealand First functions as a political party in New Zealand. ... ACT New Zealand is a free market liberal party in the New Zealand Parliament. ... Current Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand logo Wikinews has news related to: Greens Party refines Buy Kiwi Made scheme The Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand is a political party in the New Zealand parliament. ... Keith Locke (born 1944) is a current New Zealand MP representing the Green Party who was first elected to parliament in 1999. ... A Private Members Bill is a proposed law introduced by a backbench member of parliament, whether from the government or the opposition side, to that legislature or parliament. ...

Co-leader of the Maori Party, Tariana Turia, has previously supported moves to a republic^[20], although her party has no declared position on the issue. The Maori Party, a political party in New Zealand based around Maori citizens, formed around Tariana Turia, a former Labour Party member who had been a New Zealand Cabinet minister in the current Labour-dominated coalition government. ... Tariana Turia (born 8 April 1944) is a New Zealand politician. ...

Peter Dunne, leader of the United Future Party is a supporter of New Zealand becoming a republic. Dunne argued that "We don’t lose the Commonwealth link, we don’t lose our collective history ... I think we have a president now in all but name. We’ve had our own head of state, our own Governor-General since the days of Sir Arthur Porritt... if we’ve effectively got our own head of state, why not just take the next honest step of describing them accordingly?" Peter Dunne (born 17 March 1954 - ) leads New Zealands United Future political party. ... United Future New Zealand is a political party in the New Zealand parliament with two MPs -- one electorate MP (leader Peter Dunne) and one list MP (Judy Turner (see MMP for the difference). ... Arthur Espie Porritt, Baron Porritt, GCMG, GCVO, CBE (August 10, 1900 - January 1, 1994) was a New Zealand physician, statesman and athlete. ...

Parties outside of Parliament

Outside of Parliament, a republic was opposed by the former Christian Heritage New Zealand party, which stated in its policy information that it would "[r]etain New Zealand’s position as a constitutional monarchy and oppose any moves to make New Zealand a republic". ^[21] The small Libertarianz Party produced a written constitution seeking a "Republic of New Freeland" to replace the constitutional monarchy. Christian Heritage New Zealand (formerly known as the Christian Heritage Party) was a New Zealand political party promoting evangelical Christian-based social conservatism. ... Libertarianz is a political party in New Zealand (hence the NZ at the end of their name) dedicated to libertarianism, and claims to be the only party in New Zealand dedicated to maximising personal freedom and reducing the size of government – to getting government out of your face, out of...

In April 2005 The Republic of New Zealand Party was founded by Men's movement activist Kerry Bevin. Despite its name, the goal of creating a New Zealand republic is only one of the parties' policies, and it tends to emphasise social issues. The previous Republican Party of New Zealand had been dissolved in 2000 after having failed to obtain any seats in Parliament. Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... The Republic of New Zealand Party (RONZP) is a small political party in New Zealand. ... The mens movement is a social movement that includes a number of philosophies and organizations that seek to support men, change the male gender role and improve mens rights in regard to marriage and child access and victims of Domestic Violence. ... Kevin Bevin is the founder and leader of the Republic Aotearoa New Zealand Party, and was a candidate for the 2005 general election. ... The New Zealand Republican Party of 1995 was a political party which campaigned for the creation of a New Zealand Republic. ...

Governors-General

Former Governor-General Dame Catherine Tizard said publicly in 2004 that the monarch should be replaced by a New Zealand head of state, along with Sir Paul Reeves who has indicated that he would not oppose a republic. Sir Paul has since indicated that he did not wish to become involved in any debate on the matter. However another former Governor-General, Sir Michael Hardie Boys, has supported the status quo stating "If it ain't broke, don't fix it"^[11]. On 29 July 2006, outgoing Governor-General Dame Silvia Cartwright has stated that she has no views as to whether New Zealand becomes a republic, noting: "I'm the Queen's representative in New Zealand ...we often overlook the intense loyalty and love the Māori people have for the Queen - probably more intense than many people of European descent. This is a history that's never going to die."^[22]. Dame Catherine Anne Tizard (nee Maclean) GCMG GCVO DBE QSO (4 April 1931–) was a Governor-General of New Zealand, and the first woman to be appointed to the office. ... Sir Paul Alfred Reeves, ONZ, GCMG, GCVO, CF, QSO, (Born December 6, 1932) was Archbishop and Primate of New Zealand from 1980 to 1985 and Governor-General of New Zealand from 22 November 1985 to 20 November 1990. ... Sir Michael Hardie Boys, GNZM, GCMG, QSO, PC, (born 1931) is a New Zealand jurist and was the countrys 17th Governor-General, from 1996 to 2001. ... Silvia Rose Cartwright, Governor-General of New Zealand Her Excellency Dame Silvia Rose Cartwright PCNZM DBE (née Poulter) (born November 7, 1943) is New Zealands second female Governor-General, and as the Queens representative, lives in Government House in the capital city of Wellington. ...

Constitutional Issues

Were New Zealand to move towards becoming a republic, the change would occur with far more ease than in Australia. This is because New Zealand is a unitary state and has no written constitution, unlike Australia, where constitutional change must not only be approved in a referendum by a majority of voters, but also by a majority of states. New Zealand has made radical constitutional changes without difficulty in the past, such as the abolition of its upper house of parliament in 1951, the introduction of proportional representation in 1996 and most recently the creation of the Supreme Court of New Zealand as the court of final appeal. A map showing the unitary states. ... The Legislative Council of New Zealand was the upper house of the New Zealand Parliament from 1853 until 1951. ... Year 1951 (MCMLI) was a common year starting on Monday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... Electoral Reform in New Zealand has, in recent years, become a political issue as major changes have been made to both Parliamentary and local government elections. ... Year 1996 (MCMXCVI) was a leap year starting on Monday (link will display full 1996 Gregorian calendar). ... The Supreme Court of New Zealand is the highest court of appeal in New Zealand, having formally come into existence at the beginning of 2004, and sitting for the first time on 1 July 2004. ...

See also: Constitution of New Zealand

The constitution of New Zealand consists of a collection of statutes (Acts of Parliament), Treaties, Orders-in-Council, Letters patent, decisions of the Courts and unwritten constitutional conventions. ...

The Treaty of Waitangi

Many Māori see the Crown as a guarantor of their legal rights under the Treaty of Waitangi, which was an agreement signed between the Māori tribes and the British Crown, not with the New Zealand Government. Monarchists have thus frequently argued abolishing the monarchy would "complicate" Māori relations. In response, republicans have argued that the partner to the Treaty has changed before (from the monarch of the United Kingdom to the Queen of New Zealand), and thus the move to a republic would not change the status of the Treaty of Waitangi. This view is shared by many Māori, including constitutional lawyer Moana Jackson. Languages Māori, English Religions Māori religion, Christianity Related ethnic groups other Polynesian peoples, Austronesian peoples The word Māori refers to the indigenous Polynesian peoples of New Zealand, and to their language. ... One of the few extant copies of the Treaty of Waitangi The Treaty of Waitangi (Māori: Tiriti o Waitangi) was signed on February 6, 1840 at Waitangi in the Bay of Islands, New Zealand. ... Moana Jackson is a New Zealand Māori lawyer specialising in Treaty of Waitangi and constitutional issues. ...

See also: Treaty of Waitangi

One of the few extant copies of the Treaty of Waitangi The Treaty of Waitangi (Māori: Tiriti o Waitangi) was signed on February 6, 1840 at Waitangi in the Bay of Islands, New Zealand. ...

Models of a republic

There is no agreed model of how a New Zealand republic might be constituted. Under the Head of state (Referenda) Bill, a member's Bill sponsored by Green Party MP Keith Locke, two models of a republic (along with the status quo) would be put to a referendum: Current Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand logo Wikinews has news related to: Greens Party refines Buy Kiwi Made scheme The Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand is a political party in the New Zealand parliament. ... Keith Locke (born 1944) is a current New Zealand MP representing the Green Party who was first elected to parliament in 1999. ...

• Election of the head of state indirectly by a Supermajority (75%) of Members of Parliament, similar to the bi-partisan appointment model proposed in Australia;
• Election of the Head of state directly by the New Zealand electorate using the Single Transferable Vote electoral system.

Wikisource has original text related to this article:

Head of state (Referenda) Bill

Both models would make New Zealand a parliamentary republic, such as Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy or Malta, rather than a Presidential republic such as the United States or The Philippines. In the opinion of republican Andrew Stockley, the constitutional changes required by such a model would not be major^[24]. The Bill is supported to Select Committee stage by the Republican Movement. A supermajority or a qualified majority is a requirement for a proposal to gain a specified level or type of support which exceeds a simple majority in order to have effect. ... The Bi-partisan appointment republican model is a proposal for Australian constitutional reform. ... This STV ballot for the Australian Senate illustrates group voting tickets. ... Image File history File links Wikisource-logo. ... The original Wikisource logo. ... Parliamentary republics around the world, shown in Orange (Parliamentary republics with a non-executive President) and Green (Parliamentary republics with an executive President linked to Parliament). ... A presidential system, also called a congressional system, is a system of government where the executive branch exists and presides (hence the term) separate from the legislature, to which it is not accountable, and which cannot in normal circumstances dismiss it. ... Wikipedia does not have an article with this exact name. ... A Select Committee is a committee made up of a small number of parliamentary members appointed to deal with particular areas or issues originating in the Westminster System of parliamentary democracy. ...

The Republic of New Zealand Party has stated it supports a Presidential republic^[25]. The Republic of New Zealand Party (RONZP) is a small political party in New Zealand. ... A presidential system, or a congressional system, is a system of government of a republic where the executive branch is elected separately from the legislative. ...

Other proposals have been mooted from time to time - such as appointment by a council consisting of members of the New Zealand Order of Merit. The New Zealand Order of Merit is an order of chivalry established on 30 May 1996 by Queen Elizabeth II of New Zealand. ...

Realm of New Zealand

Main article: Realm of New Zealand

Currently, New Zealand consists of New Zealand proper and two states in free association, Niue and the Cook Islands. Should New Zealand become a republic, the Realm of New Zealand would continue to exist without New Zealand, the Ross Dependency and Tokelau^[26]. This would not be a legal hurdle to a New Zealand republic as such, and both the Cook Islands and Niue would retain their status as associated states with New Zealand, as New Zealand shares its Head of state with the Cook Islands and Niue in the same way the United Kingdom shares its Head of state with the other Commonwealth Realms. However, a New Zealand republic would present the issue of independence to the Cook Islands and Niue. The Realm of New Zealand is the territory in which the Queen in right of New Zealand is head of state. ... The Commonwealth Realms, shown in pink A Commonwealth Realm is any one of the sixteen sovereign states within the Commonwealth of Nations that recognise Elizabeth II as their respective monarch. ...

Commonwealth membership

Though becoming a republic does not automatically require a change to Commonwealth membership, Commonwealth Realms that become republics must still obtain the permission of other members to remain in the organisation after becoming a republic. Though this is usually only a formality, any member(s) against the proposal can block the membership of a republican New Zealand in the Commonwealth. However, the rejection of membership is often due to racial policies (as with Apartheid South Africa in 1961, who did not re-apply for membership) pursued by the government, not republicanism. Fiji and the Maldives did not apply for continued membership after becoming republics, and thus lost their positions in the Commonwealth. The Commonwealth Realms, shown in pink A Commonwealth Realm is any one of the sixteen sovereign states within the Commonwealth of Nations that recognise Elizabeth II as their respective monarch. ... A segregated beach in South Africa, 1982. ...

Further information: Commonwealth of Nations: Other termination

This article needs additional references or sources for verification. ...

Recent developments

The election of the present Labour-led government in 1999 under Helen Clark has seen a number of alleged moves to a republic, such as the abolition of appeals to the Privy Council. The New Zealand Labour Party is a New Zealand political party. ... Year 1999 (MCMXCIX) was a common year starting on Friday (link will display full 1999 Gregorian calendar). ... For other persons named Helen Clark, see Helen Clark (disambiguation). ... The Judicial Committee of the Privy Council is one of the highest courts in the United Kingdom. ...

New Zealand Honours

The New Zealand Honours System previously awarded Knighthoods and Damehoods, but these were removed in 2000. A poll conducted by the National Business Review^[28] in February 2000 revealed that 54% of New Zealanders thought the titles should be scrapped. Technically, New Zealanders could still receive a Knighthood and Damehood directly from the Queen. // History Royal honours were awarded in New Zealand from the very beginning of settlement. ... 2000 (MM) was a leap year starting on Saturday of the Gregorian calendar. ... The National Business Review is a weekly New Zealand newspaper aimed at the business sector. ...

Supreme Court

In 1996, the Bolger government proposed to end the status of the Privy Council as the country's highest court of appeal. This policy was the same as that of the previous Labour government. Upon the re-election of the current Labour government in 2002, as part of that party's manifesto, the government introduced legislation to abolish appeals to the Privy Council. In 2003 the law was passed, despite calls from New Zealand First, National and ACT for a referendum to be called on the issue. Appeals to the Privy Council were replaced by appeals to the new Supreme Court of New Zealand from 1 July 2004. There is no link between abolition of appeals to the Privy Council and the possibility of New Zealand becoming a republic. However, some advocates of abolition were motivated by republican sentiment. Year 1996 (MCMXCVI) was a leap year starting on Monday (link will display full 1996 Gregorian calendar). ... The Judicial Committee of the Privy Council is one of the highest courts in the United Kingdom. ... The New Zealand Labour Party is a New Zealand political party. ... The New Zealand Labour Party is a New Zealand political party. ... The 2002 New Zealand general election was a nationwide vote to determine the shape of the 47th New Zealand Parliament. ... The Judicial Committee of the Privy Council is one of the highest courts in the United Kingdom. ... 2003 (MMIII) was a common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. ... New Zealand First functions as a political party in New Zealand. ... The New Zealand National Party (National or the Nats) currently forms the second-largest (in terms of seats) political party represented in the New Zealand Parliament, and thus functions as the core of the parliamentary Opposition. ... ACT New Zealand is a free market liberal party in the New Zealand Parliament. ... The Judicial Committee of the Privy Council is one of the highest courts in the United Kingdom. ... The Supreme Court of New Zealand is the highest court of appeal in New Zealand, having formally come into existence at the beginning of 2004, and sitting for the first time on 1 July 2004. ... is the 182nd day of the year (183rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... shelby was here 2004 (MMIV) was a leap year starting on Thursday of the Gregorian calendar. ...

Constitutional Inquiry

In November 2004, Prime Minister Clark announced the formation of a parliamentary committee of inquiry into the constitution, chaired by United Future leader Peter Dunne. Both the National Party and New Zealand First refused to participate, however, calling the committee a "political stunt", accusing the Prime Minister of using the inquiry as a distraction from the subject of the "grievance industry" of Māori land claims under the Treaty of Waitangi^[29]. Dunne has said that he supports New Zealand becoming a republic^[30]. In its final report, the committee recommended wider education on the constitution. ^[31] shelby was here 2004 (MMIV) was a leap year starting on Thursday of the Gregorian calendar. ... United Future New Zealand is a political party in the New Zealand parliament with two MPs -- one electorate MP (leader Peter Dunne) and one list MP (Judy Turner (see MMP for the difference). ... Peter Dunne (born 17 March 1954 - ) leads New Zealands United Future political party. ... The New Zealand National Party (National or the Nats) currently forms the second-largest (in terms of seats) political party represented in the New Zealand Parliament, and thus functions as the core of the parliamentary Opposition. ... New Zealand First functions as a political party in New Zealand. ...

Replacement of Queen's Counsel

In March 2006 Parliament passed the Lawyers and Conveyancers Bill which, among other things, replaced the title of Queen's Counsel, given to senior barristers, with that of Senior Counsel. These changes have already occurred in some Australian states, where they have been criticised by supporters of the status quo as "republicanism by stealth". For the Manfred Mann album, see 2006 (album). ... Cherie Booth QC wearing her ceremonial robes (including full-bottomed wig) as Queens Counsel at the Bar of England and Wales. ... // Artists impression of an English barrister A barrister is a lawyer found in many common law jurisdictions which employ a split profession (as opposed to a fused profession) in relation to legal representation. ... The title of Senior Counsel (postnominal SC; 資深大律師 in Hong Kong Cantonese [1] [2]; 高级律师 in Singapore Mandarin [3] [4]) or State Counsel is given to a senior barrister or advocate in some countries, especially in Commonwealth countries or jurisdictions in which the British monarch is no longer head of state, such...

In response the Republican Movement noted ^[33] that the change is simply to acknowledge the independence of such lawyers, who are often called upon to investigate matters for the government.

Modernisation of Oaths

In May 2004 the Minister of Justice, Phil Goff, announced a review of New Zealand's Oaths and affirmations. The review suggested that New Zealand could follow the experience of Australia by removing references to the Queen from the Oaths. The Monarchist League called the change 'republicanism by stealth'. In response, the Republican Movement argued that removing references to the Queen was not 'republicanism by stealth' but simply reflected New Zealanders' contemporary values ^[34]. One year after the review was announced, Phil Goff released the new forms the Oaths were to take, with references to the Queen being retained, and the Oaths Modernisation Bill was introduced into Parliament. shelby was here 2004 (MMIV) was a leap year starting on Thursday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Foreign Minister Phil Goff The Honourable Philip Bruce Goff (born 22 June 1953), generally known as Phil Goff, is the current Minister of Defence of New Zealand. ... The New Zealand Parliament is the legislative body of the New Zealand government. ...

After passing its first reading and going to the Government Administration Committee, the Bill is currently waiting to be voted on for its second reading.

See also: Oath of Allegiance (New Zealand)

The New Zealand Oath of Allegiance is to the New Zealand Monarch. ...

See also

New Zealand

• Constitution of New Zealand
• Independence of New Zealand
• Republican Movement of Aotearoa New Zealand
• Monarchist League of New Zealand
• Monarchy in New Zealand

The Treaty of Waitangi is an increasingly important source of constitutional law in New Zealand The constitution of New Zealand consists of a collection of statutes (Acts of Parliament), Treaties, Orders-in-Council, Letters patent, decisions of the Courts and unwritten constitutional conventions. ... The independence of New Zealand occurred gradually over the 20th century by a series of Royal proclamations, Imperial Conferences and Acts of the British and New Zealand Parliaments. ... Logo of the Republican Movement The Republican Movement of Aotearoa New Zealand is a non-partisan organization formed in 1994 whose object is to support the creation of a republic in New Zealand. ... Queen Elizabeth IIs personal flag for New Zealand The Monarchist League of New Zealand, Inc. ... New Zealand is a constitutional monarchy and a Commonwealth Realm, with Queen Elizabeth II as its reigning monarch, since February 6, 1952. ...

Other Commonwealth Realms

• Commonwealth Realm
• Commonwealth Republic
• Republicanism in Australia
• Republicanism in Canada
• Republicanism in the United Kingdom
• Australian Republican Movement
• Australians for Constitutional Monarchy

The Commonwealth Realms, shown in pink A Commonwealth Realm is any one of the sixteen sovereign states within the Commonwealth of Nations that recognise Elizabeth II as their respective monarch. ... The Commonwealth republics, shown in pink A Commonwealth republic is any one of the 31 sovereign states of the Commonwealth of Nations that have a republican form of government. ... Republicanism in Australia is the movement to change Australias status as a constitutional monarchy (a Commonwealth Realm) to a republican form of government (a Commonwealth republic). ... Canadian republicanism is the advocacy of constitutional change in Canada leading to the abolition of constitutional monarchy and the creation of a republic. ... Republicanism in the United Kingdom is a movement in the United Kingdom which seeks to remove the British monarchy and replace it with a republic that has a non-hereditary head of state. ... The Australian Republican Movement was founded in July 1991. ... Australians for Constitutional Monarchy (ACM) was founded in June 1992 to defend the Australian Constitution, the role of the Crown in it, and to preserve the role of the Queen of Australia, represented by the Governor-General, as Australias constitutional head of state. ...

References

The Sunday Star-Times is New Zealand newspaper published each weekend by the Fairfax group in Auckland. ... For the Manfred Mann album, see 2006 (album). ... is the 193rd day of the year (194th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... For the Manfred Mann album, see 2006 (album). ... is the 193rd day of the year (194th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Evan Roberts may refer to: Evan Roberts (radio personality) Evan Roberts (minister), a famous figure in the 1904-1905 Welsh Revival This human name article is a disambiguation page — a list of pages that might otherwise share the same title, which is a persons or persons name. ... For the Manfred Mann album, see 2006 (album). ... is the 193rd day of the year (194th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... For the Manfred Mann album, see 2006 (album). ... is the 193rd day of the year (194th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is now the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... April 27 is the 117th day of the year (118th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar, with 248 days remaining. ... Colin James is a New Zealand political journalist of more than thirty years experience. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is now the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... is the 123rd day of the year (124th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... For the Manfred Mann album, see 2006 (album). ... For the Manfred Mann album, see 2006 (album). ... August 2 is the 214th day of the year (215th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... For the Manfred Mann album, see 2006 (album). ... is the 290th day of the year (291st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... The New Zealand Herald is a daily broadsheet newspaper published in Auckland, New Zealand. ... The Dominion Post is a metropolitan broadsheet newspaper published in Wellington, owned by the Australian Fairfax group, owners of The Age of Melbourne and The Sydney Morning Herald. ... For the officer of arms, see New Zealand Herald Extraordinary. ... For the Manfred Mann album, see 2006 (album). ... is the 213th day of the year (214th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... For the Manfred Mann album, see 2006 (album). ... is the 213th day of the year (214th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... For the Manfred Mann album, see 2006 (album). ... is the 223rd day of the year (224th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Keith Locke (born 1944) is a current New Zealand MP representing the Green Party who was first elected to parliament in 1999. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is now the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... April 19 is the 109th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (110th in leap years). ... Logo of the Republican Movement The Republican Movement of Aotearoa New Zealand is a non-partisan organization formed in 1994 whose object is to support the creation of a republic in New Zealand. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is now the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... April 19 is the 109th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (110th in leap years). ... For the Manfred Mann album, see 2006 (album). ... is the 202nd day of the year (203rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... For the Manfred Mann album, see 2006 (album). ... September 11 is the 254th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (255th in leap years). ... The Sunday Star-Times is New Zealand newspaper published each weekend by the Fairfax group in Auckland. ... Year 1996 (MCMXCVI) was a leap year starting on Monday (link will display full 1996 Gregorian calendar). ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is now the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... April 24 is the 114th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (115th in leap years). ... For the Manfred Mann album, see 2006 (album). ... is the 341st day of the year (342nd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... For the Manfred Mann album, see 2006 (album). ... November 11 is the 315th day of the year (316th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar, with 50 days remaining. ... The National Business Review is a weekly New Zealand newspaper aimed at the business sector. ... For the officer of arms, see New Zealand Herald Extraordinary. ... Gordon Muir Campbell, BA, MBA, MLA (born January 12, 1948) is the 34th Premier of British Columbia. ... For the Manfred Mann album, see 2006 (album). ... August 2 is the 214th day of the year (215th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Queen Elizabeth IIs personal flag for New Zealand The Monarchist League of New Zealand, Inc. ... Logo of the Republican Movement The Republican Movement of Aotearoa New Zealand is a non-partisan organization formed in 1994 whose object is to support the creation of a republic in New Zealand. ... Logo of the Republican Movement The Republican Movement of Aotearoa New Zealand is a non-partisan organization formed in 1994 whose object is to support the creation of a republic in New Zealand. ...

External links

• Res Publica : New Zealand international anti-monarchy Web directory
• The Monarchist League of New Zealand
• The Republican Movement of Aotearoa New Zealand
• Elizabeth the Last? Monarchist website
• A Constitution for New Freeland A proposed constitution by the Libertarianz Party for a "New Freeland" republic.