Republicans send best wishes to William and Kate

MEDIA RELEASE 17 November 2010

"The Republican Movement offers its best wishes to William and Kate following their engagement announced today. However, it's crazy in this day and age that someone's engagement in the United Kingdom should have anything to do with New Zealand's constitutional future" said Republican Movement chair Lewis Holden.

"Bizarrely, Kate will become the Queen of New Zealand even though she has probably never even been to New Zealand. It's symbolic of the monarchy that someone earns a position not through their merits, or being a New Zealander, but because they've married into the 'right' family" concluded Mr Holden.

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