Kiwis deserve a full-time head of state

MEDIA RELEASE 21 March 2011

TVNZ reports today that Prince William is "tipped" to return to New Zealand for the Rugby World Cup in October this year. The Republican Movement believes it's time New Zealand had a full-time head of state.

"Out of respect for the people of Canterbury and the West Coast, the Republican Movement decided not to make official comment on the memorial service or Prince William's tour. We will continue to give a voice to New Zealanders who want a New Zealander as head of state. The Rugby World Cup will provide another example of why an unelected hereditary leader is inappropriate" said Lewis Holden, chair of the Republican Movement.

"Prince William won't become the King before his father Charles and it doesn't matter how friendly or ingratiating William is. His two day visit was a reminder that New Zealanders still have no right to choose who becomes their head of state. Unless New Zealanders are given a choice in the issue, Prince Charles will become King" said Mr Holden.

Holden added "As many New Zealanders want a republic as those who want William to be our next head of state. That means a majority want the right to choose their head of state."

ENDS

Media contact: Lewis Holden 027 699 1350 (m)

The Republican Movement is a network of New Zealanders who want our head of state to be elected by New Zealanders - either directly or indirectly.

We are committed to:

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

Creating a republic does not require any change to the Treaty of Waitangi, flag or Commonwealth membership. For more information, see our website: www.republic.org.nz