While republicanism is not a large issue in this year's election, a diverse group of politicians have endorsed the concept of a New Zealand republic. This process of democratic debate and scrutiny is important in the creation of a lasting republic. Without widespread public participation in the design and creation of the New Zealand republic, the transformation will be nominal only.

Encouraging participation in civic processes is an established feature of republican thought. With the passing of the Citizens Initiated Referenda Act in 1993, New Zealanders now have a potentially powerful vehicle for recording their views on 'important' public issues.

Historical republican thought did not generally approve of steering the ship of state by plebiscite, regarding it as a particularly crude form of democracy. Rather, the republican ideal is that there be an office of state in the republic for every citizen, so that everyone can engage fully in civic society. Polls reduce the citizen to a cipher, and often fail to recognise the complexity of the issues involved.

Referenda in New Zealand have often diluted the substance of critical issues to a choice of two options. With the diversity of republican forms, it would be New Zealand's loss if this debate became so polarised.

A commitment to democratic processes will probably require that New Zealand seals the republican transformation by referendum. But before a referendum is contemplated the debate must be vigorous and involved, considering all possible forms the republic might take. So for now, the aim of the Republican Movement must be to engage the public on the issue, and foment the debate.

A referendum may be needed to cement the change, but it can only be a means to an end. Republicanism should focus on enhancing people's participation in our politics, and creating a society which rewards the talents and skills of its individuals. A monarchy cannot represent that society, because the highest office is barred to all but a few. Public acceptance of that republican ideal will make the results of any referendum almost a foregone conclusion.