Setting out on the republican road Former New Zealand First Cabinet Minister Deborah Morris says New Zealanders can only define their independent cultural identity by standing in their own right as a republic. "Making the transition to a republic will take our identity beyond that of a former British colony ... to a vibrant and dynamic nation that does things its own way."
By Deborah Morris
Former Cabinet Minister Deborah Morris says New Zealanders can only define their independent cultural identity by standing in their own right as a republic. "Making the transition to a republic will take our identity beyond that of a former British colony ... to a vibrant and dynamic nation that does things its own way."That ‘cultural identity’ is a buzz term ahead of the election was evident when the government announced its new-found commitment to a youth radio network just twenty-four hours after confirming the election date.
Labour too, is using the term and its broadcasting policy describes the unique nation, rich heritage, cultural identity and diversity public broadcasting can promote.
But if the Minister of Culture and Heritage and other politicians are really keen on these sorts of concepts then more must be done. And if the government wants to turn the youth radio network announcement (which was so cynically timed) and the Minister’s urge for a new flag into more than just shameless ploys for publicity then now is the time for New Zealand to embrace the notion of becoming a republic.
From what I hear, the republican rumblings are underway once again at the grass roots level. And inherent in this movement is a strong belief that defining an independent cultural identity can only be achieved when we stand in our own right as a republic.
When Australia votes on this very issue on November 6 it may well set the scene for Kiwis too. Our friends across the way could be first to ditch the crusty old monarchy and assert their independence.
The Aussies were first to see the value of their own unique identity when they set up the Triple J youth radio network too. So I wouldn’t be at all surprised if their referendum vote is a ‘yes’ and the new millennium sees them set off on the republican journey for real.
But what about New Zealand then? This small island nation definitely has some substantial constitutional issues to grapple with and some would say this should happen before we can sever ties with the royals. But how we establish a process designed to takes us towards an independent identity and at the same time remove one of the final bonds of our colonial past is a debate that must be had.
Obviously, our identity is based around the relationship embodied in the Treaty of Waitangi -- and it must always remain our founding document. And how we manage the settlement and acknowledgment of historic grievances in contemporary New Zealand is just as much a part of our identity as anything else.
These are not simple issues but they are part and parcel of defining who we are as a nation of diverse and spirited peoples. Finding a way to respect and nurture the place of the Treaty as the essence of a new republic is achievable and possible.
At the same time, discussing the republican option and making this transition in the early part of next century will take our identity beyond that of a former British colony, with lots of sporting heroes, musical talent and wild geography.
That is not to say that we don’t want to be as brave as Sir Ed, sing like Dame Kiri and Bic Runga, or kick a ball like Jeff Wilson. It’s just that there is more to it than the obvious Kiwi icons and role models.
Why we continue to have an English head of state and remain a constitutional monarchy is arguably way more important to the longer-term identity of our young people than anything else is.
How much better would it be if the person who was our real head of state were appointed on merit instead of landing the job because she was born to the right family?
Frankly, the Queen of England does not strike me as the most interested, concerned or dynamic head of state we could have. Instead, replacing the monarchy with a New Zealander who represents the values and vision of the nation we are, and want to be, means leadership rather than installing a simple figurehead.
While successive Governors-General have served the country well, they are merely representatives of an increasingly irrelevant monarchy. If cultural identity is where it’s at, there is no reason why we should remain wed to a constitutional model so outdated.
Just as we have shown the world through APEC recently, this is a vibrant and dynamic nation that does things its own way. We have unique social, political and economic challenges – none of which are assisted by our current constitutional arrangements.
To take a stand and assert ourselves as independent and progressive is a fundamental part of pursuing an identity that can unite New Zealanders. And while it would most certainly put us on the map in a very different way, indications are that this symbolic step does not have to mean massive upheaval in the way we do things otherwise. Parliament would remain the same (a disappointment, I know) and we could still sing God Defend New Zealand. Perhaps we’d even get another public holiday.
