Keeping the Prime Minister in check

People often ask us what the benefits of a republic would be. Assuming that New Zealand would keep its parliamentary democracy, (there's no reason to suggest we wouldn't, our own research shows the vast majority of New Zealanders favour a parliamentary republic) which unlike the monarchy works well for us, one of the most obvious benefits is the ability for an elected head of state to keep the Prime Minister in check.

Currently, the Prime Minister can pretty much choose whoever they want as Governor-General, but "advising" the Queen to choose one candidate. In Canada, a special cabinet committee came up with names for Prime Minister Stephen Harper, who then put his choice to the Queen. Harper chose the most neutral and inoffensive candidate - but more importantly, someone who would be more than likely to re-appoint Harper as Prime Minister if there was a tight election.