Our country needs an independent head of state, not one that is a tool of Britain’s soft power. Britain’s government describes the monarchy as “a unique soft power and diplomatic asset” that - even within the nominally independent Commonwealth realms - serves Britain’s overseas interests.

We often hear that, because New Zealand’s monarchy is legally independent of the United Kingdom’s, the Sovereign is also “independent.” Unfortunately, the facts show otherwise: Britain’s monarch is paid for, housed by and can be directed to go overseas to represent Britain, first and foremost. For that reason, they are a useful asset - as Britain’s House of Commons notes - for projecting Britain’s “soft power” overseas.

For New Zealand’s head of state to visit New Zealand, they must first be invited by our Prime Minister, with the invitation going through a committee of Britain’s cabinet, the Royal Visits Committee, who then decide if or when a Royal visit is to take place, based on Britain’s interest. The Royal Visits Committee is chaired by the head of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Britain’s equivalent of MFAT.

What’s even more embarrassing for New Zealand, and the “other” Commonwealth realms for that matter, is this further statement by the House of Commons:

The monarchy also exerts tremendous influence throughout the Commonwealth, not least because HM The Queen is the Head of State of 16 Commonwealth Realms.

Britain’s parliament is drawing a direct link between the “soft power” of the monarchy and the ability to “exert tremendous influence throughout the Commonwealth".

There is no justification for New Zealand’s head of state to be “shared” with Britain on this basis. It’s time our country had an independent head of state.