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Republicanism in New Zealand is the political position that New Zealand's system of government should be changed from a constitutional monarchy to a republic.
New Zealand republicanism dates back to the 19th century, but it was only a fringe movement until the late 20th century. The main current republican lobby group, New Zealand Republic, was established in 1994.
Contemporary republican debate in New Zealand focuses on the issues of constitutional reform and New Zealand's independence. The matter of the Crown's obligations under the Treaty of Waitangi, and the treaty settlement process, is cited as a constitutional issue for a New Zealand republic.[1] Most proponents of a republic support a parliamentary republic with the head of state separate from the head of government, with the head of state having limited power.
Because New Zealand's constitution is uncodified, a republic could be enacted by statute, as a simple act of parliament.[2] It is generally assumed that this would only occur following a nationwide referendum.[3] Several prime ministers and governors-general have identified themselves as republicans, but no government has yet taken any meaningful steps towards enacting a republic.
- ^ Cite error: The named reference
jb_rnzwas invoked but never defined (see the help page). - ^ Quentin-Baxter & McLean 2017, p. 314.
- ^ Quentin-Baxter & McLean 2017, p. 315.