The Arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor

New Zealand needs an office of Head of State that is authentic, effective and accountable. Not one tainted by corruption and scandal. Our Governor-General pays a dignified visit to the New Zealand citizens of Tokelau while Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor is arrested on suspicion of corruption. His brother Charles and nephew William are under scrutiny for their role in appointing him to a trade envoy position that allowed him access to so much sensitive information. Both of them knowing he was close friends with two convicted sex offenders.

The Office of Governor General is already fulfilling the role of Head of State but it is in need of several improvements. We need to democratise the method of selection, clarify the reserve powers, and ensure proper transparency and public accountability. Our constitutional processes are still being tainted by our association with the British monarchy. Removing Andrew from the line of succession is a process that 15 other countries will have to agree to. We have an ineffectual and out-dated approach to appointing our most important diplomatic and constitutional role. So we need to finalise the cultural and constitutional transition from realm to republic.

The answer to the monarchy problem is very simple. Transition our Governor-General to being our actual Head of State by 2040. Celebrate the 200th anniversary of Te Tiriti having made that change. So that Britain’s Head of State and New Zealand’s Head of State can meet as equals. Two sovereign and distinct nations.

Vision 2040: NZ's Head of State and UK's Head of State meet as equals by Waitangi Day 2040

Vision 2040:  New Zealand's Head of State and Britain's Head of State meet as equals by Waitangi Day 2040

On the eve of Waitangi Day, campaign group New Zealand Republic is calling for New Zealand to transition the role of Governor-General to being our actual Head of State.

"We have a clear vision for 2040. New Zealand's Head of State and Britain's Head of State meet as equals on Waitangi Day 2040" said campaign spokesperson Savage. "It will be a day to celebrate. Each nation’s sovereign Head of State meeting together for the first time as equals at the treaty grounds".

"As we celebrate and discuss the importance of the Treaty we need to be honest about our constitutional future. Toitu Te Tiriti - the treaty is important but so is having a proper Head of State".

"We can't keep pretending that the British Head of State is our head of state. Successive Governors-General have brought sustained mana and dignity to the office. We just need to make that final transition. To clearly define its constitutional importance, to confirm what the reserve powers should be and decide how the office holder should be selected".

“But we should not wait for fourteen years. We need to be ready before 2040. Our constitutional progress has been measured by how independent and democratic we have become since 1840. But until we make the final step and have our own Head of State we cannot in all honesty call ourselves a sovereign nation.”

"This year voters need to decide who will choose our next Governor-General. At present the Prime Minister gets to do it. What we really need is to let all of parliament decide. From there it would be a straight-forward process to shift from parliamentary selection of the Governor-General to parliamentary selection of our very own Head of State".

Belize drops British monarchs from its money

The central bank of Belize has announced new bank notes, removing the British monarchy from the country’s money. Belize is one of the remaining "realms” where the British monarch reigns.

New banknotes for Belize, prominently displaying national heroes of Belize.

It’s time that New Zealand did the same. Sign the Actionstation petition here.