Privy Council down. Monarchy to go.

MEDIA RELEASE: 19 December 2000

"Abolishing the right of appeal to the Privy Council is a good move. Its another step towards independence," said Dave Guerin, president of the Republican Movement.

"As the vestiges of empire corrode and are replaced, the move towards a republic is inevitable. The Privy Council is the last major legal tie to the United Kingdom."

"Gaining independence is a long process in New Zealand. We have taken it cautiously, checking the implications each step of the way. The care taken in the Privy Council decision mirrors the way we have developed our own honours system."

"Both National and Labour support the Privy Council change, so let's move down the to-do list for a republic. Getting a New Zealander as a head of state is the next item on the list. Our current head of state can't even visit New Zealand without the approval of the British Government. What an absurd situation to be in."