Nau Mai, Haere Mai, Welcome. The Republican Movement is a network of New Zealanders who want a New Zealand republic with our head of state elected by New Zealanders. We are a non-partisan group, with members drawn from all walks of life, and all sides of the political spectrum.

We are committed to:

  • involving all New Zealanders in the republic debate;
  • providing relevant and reliable information;
  • focusing on ideas, not personalities; and
  • winning a referendum to establish the republic.

Creating a republic does not require any change to the Treaty of Waitangi, New Zealand's flag or Commonwealth membership.

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Recent updates



Events, newsletters, blog posts and images from the Republican Movement.

Dip in republic support expected: Republican Movement

MEDIA RELEASE: 12 March 2010

"The polling by Research New Zealand showing a dip in support for New Zealand becoming a republic to 32% is expected after a Prince William's royal tour" said Lewis Holden, chair of the Republican Movement.

Monarchists: most republicans "very angry"

Monarchy New Zealand, responding to Matt McCarten's article from the Herald on Sunday, says:

BlueLibs: Constitutional Review on Maori Seats Only

The classical liberal advisory group of the National Party, BlueLibs, reports on this year's Constitutional Review:
The current idea is that it will consider the future of the Māori seats.

Prince Charles "could be denied the role of Head of the Commonwealth"

The Telegraph reports that Prince Charles could be "denied" the position of Head of the Commonwealth.

Matt McCarten: "Mrs Windsor wouldn't miss our outpost colony"

Matt McCarten writes in the Herald on Sunday on Keith Locke's Head of State Referenda Bill:

When will we stop pretending we are a South Pacific outpost of the Windsor family who reside in London? Betty Windsor is the Queen of England.

Twilight of the monarchist elites

David Flint of Australians for Constitutional Monarchy takes aim at Sir Robert Jones' support for a republic, making the predictable arguments against his status as an "elite", his knighthood and Sir Bob's view that New Zealand should change its name.

Canterbury University Debate Update - 11th March

It's just under a week until the first debate at Canterbury University. The debate will now be held in law lecture theatre 108 in the law building - see the event page for a map.

So far, Canterbury law lecturer David Round and UCSA President Nick McDonnell are confirmed for the negating (i.e. monarchist) side.

Keith Locke's Bill on Te Karere

See video
Keith Locke's Bill gets a mention on Maori news program Te Karere.

Republic Debate Goes Public

MEDIA RELEASE: 2 March 2010

University debating societies up and down the country are holding debates with the Republican Movement in March, taking Keith Locke's Head of State Referenda Bill to the public.

A challenge to Monarchy New Zealand

Monarchy New Zealand says the Head of State Referenda Bill is:
"A silly idea, put forward in a silly way, by a man with too much time and taxpayer money on his hands."
At least they deigned to comment on the first piece of legislation to directly challenge the monarchy's hegemony. Of course, there's nothing wrong with a bit of celebration on their part that the Bill may be voted down - however, we do wonder what they mean by "put forward in a silly way". Our challenge to the monarchists is to explain how they'd put the question of a republic to the New Zealand people - irrespective of the fact they think it's a "silly" idea, or that it might cost the taxpayer one tenth of the price of the Royal tour...

Kiwiblog: National should allow conscience vote

David Farrar takes aim at John Key's decision not to support the Head of State Referenda Bill, arguing that because there are both republicans and monarchists within National and Labour, the sensible course of action is to allow a conscience vote.

Dunne: Nats need public say on next Governor-General

Peter Dunne takes aim at John Key's decision not to support the Head of State Referenda Bill:
Mr Dunne said National’s decision is doubly disappointing given a new Governor-General has to be chosen next year.

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