Election Has Already Begun for New Zealand's Head of State

MEDIA RELEASE: 15 August 2008

"Voting is now open in the first round of elections for New Zealand's next head of State - cast your vote today" said Lewis Holden, chair of the Republican Movement of Aotearoa New Zealand.

"The Prime Minister might not have announced the date of the general election yet, but New Zealanders can now vote for the person they want to be our head of State via the President of New Zealand website" continued Mr Holden.

Round one of voting - online at www.president.org.nz/roundone - will see the top ten candidates nominated by New Zealanders during July put to a vote. Voters will be able to rank the candidates from one to ten.

"Voting will be open from 12pm today until 12pm on Monday, 15 September. The top 5 candidates will then be put to a second, final round from September until October" said Mr Holden.

NOTES

• The candidates for the election are: Prof. James Belich, Jim Bolger, Sir Douglas Graham, Sir Robert Jones, Sir Kenneth Keith, Don McKinnon, Dr Claudia Orange, Vincent O'Sullivan, Dame Kiri Te Kanawa and Sir Wilson Whineray.
• Profiles of the candidates are now online at www.president.org.nz/candidates