Top candidates for Governor-General announced

MEDIA RELEASE 6 February 2011

"1,400 New Zealanders have voted for their preferred nominee for New Zealand's next Governor-General" said Lewis Holden, chair of the Republican Movement.

In order, the top candidates were:

• Lieutenant-General Jerry Mateparae 34%
• Ray Avery 16%
• Sir Peter Leitch 12%
• Jim Bolger 8%
• Sir Don McKinnon 7%
• Justice Sir Eddie Durie 5%
• Jeanette Fitzsimons 4%
• Dame Anne Salmond 4% 
• Sir Geoffrey Palmer 3%
• John Hood 2%

"The Republican Movement believes that nominations for the next Governor-General ought to be made by the general public, and the nominee subject to approval of three-quarters of MPs and a majority of party leaders in the House of Representatives" continued Mr Holden.

"This process would be a first step towards a New Zealand republic, which is our ultimate aim" 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