MEDIA RELEASE: 15 September 2008

Voting opens today in New Zealand's first ever presidential election, as Kiwis bring their head of State home.

"On the same day political hoardings are going up for the general election, the Republican Movement is allowing New Zealanders set aside party politics and rigid convention," said Lewis Holden, chair of the Republican Movement of Aotearoa New Zealand.

"This is our chance to tell the world who we really want as our head of State."

MEDIA RELEASE: 5 September 2008

"They say there are only two things that are inevitable in life - death and taxes. The Governor-General might not be immortal, but he can beat taxes" said Lewis Holden, chair of the Republican Movement of Aotearoa New Zealand.

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

MEDIA RELEASE: 31 July 2008

"Over 1,000 New Zealanders told us their preference for New Zealand's first head of State on the President of New Zealand website this month" said Lewis Holden, chair of the Republican Movement of Aotearoa New Zealand.

MEDIA RELEASE: 2 July 2008

"Nominate your candidate for New Zealand's first elected head of State - the President of New Zealand is now online!"

MEDIA RELEASE 23 May 2008

"The 2008 Budget has revealed the true cost to the taxpayer of the Queen's representative" said Lewis Holden, chair of the Republican Movement.

The New Zealand taxpayer now spends $10.95m per year on the office of Governor-General. By way of contrast, the 2008 Irish budget shows the President of Ireland costs a mere $6.7m per year. The Budget also shows the government plans to spend $46.6m on fixing and upgrading Government House in Wellington.

"If we are to spend this kind of money on a historic house, it should be for the home of our democratically-elected head of state - not accommodation for a fly-by-night ribbon-cutting emissary of overseas royalty" continued Mr Holden.

MEDIA RELEASE 21 April 2008

"A poll commissioned by the Republican Movement and published on Queen Elizabeth's 82nd birthday shows New Zealanders are increasingly looking to the future as a republic - a challenge New Zealand's political leaders should take up" said Lewis Holden, chair of the Republican Movement.

41% of those surveyed in the poll stated they wanted New Zealand to become a republic, and did not want Prince Charles to become New Zealand's head of state when the Queen's reign ends. 43% continue to support the status quo, with 15% stating they do not know either way.

"These results shows the importance of addressing the growing public mood for change. A large number of voting New Zealanders - about 1.4 million - want our country to become a republic either now or when the Queen's reign ends" continued Mr Holden.

MEDIA RELEASE: 20 February 2008

"Peter Dunne's call today for binding constitutional referendums and formal consideration of whether New Zealand should become a republic deserves the government's support" said Lewis Holden, chair of the Republican Movement.

Speaking at the Hutt Rotary Club today, the United Future leader said there should be binding referendums on constitutional issues, such as a republic and the future of MMP.

"The Republican Movement has always supported any process which involves the New Zealand people getting involved in determining the constitutional future of their country" concluded Mr Holden.

MEDIA RELEASE: 5 February 2008

"It's time New Zealand became a republic - which would bring the Treaty of Waitangi home", said Lewis Holden, chair of the Republican Movement of Aotearoa New Zealand.

A concern many New Zealanders have in the republic debate is that a republic means nullifying the Treaty. Legal experts agree that a New Zealand republic would not alter the status of the Treaty of Waitangi in any way. However, the symbolic relevance of New Zealand's head of state does matter to the Treaty.

"Our current head of state - who is seen as a party to the Treaty - has not been able to attend Waitangi Day at Waitangi for nearly two decades. Not that we could blame Her Majesty - Her Majesty is head of state of Britain first and foremost - but it makes it very difficult to be a symbol of unity" said Mr Holden.

MEDIA RELEASE: 18 January 2008

"The Republican Movement is disappointed it appears no-one from the British Royal Family is attending Sir Edmund Hillary's state funeral" said Lewis Holden, chair of the Republican Movement of Aotearoa New Zealand.

A Buckingham Palace spokeswoman quoted by One News has stated it is unlikely anyone from the Royal Family will attend. The report also indicated that the Governor-General, Anand Satyanand, will be representing the Queen at the state ceremony.

"Since Sir Edmund Hillary was personally awarded Knight of the Garter by the Queen, this decision is very disappointing. This national day of mourning is the sort of occasion where the presence of New Zealand's head of state would be appropriate. The absence of the Royal Family shows plainly they are not able to do the job for New Zealand" said Mr Holden.