For some reason, the media expects the Republican Movement to put forward names for who our first head of state in a republic should be. The decision isn't up to us - although it is interesting that when the question is asked of the general public, they usually name Governors-General and, to a lesser extent, former politicians.

Every once and a while you read a story about someone who would be the perfect candidate. New Zealander of the Year Ray Avery is one such person - a successful tall poppy, articulate and generous - in short, the perfect candidate for the presidency.