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Media release - Debate to mark dominion centenary
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MEDIA RELEASE: 17 September 2007

Kiwi republicans and monarchists will go head to head in a public debate on the centenary of New Zealand's declaration of dominion status.

"I look forward to an entertaining and informative debate - the 26th of September is the perfect date to ask the hard questions about where New Zealand fits in the world, and what our head of state should say about New Zealand and our values" said Lewis Holden, chair of the Republican Movement.

"It's been one hundred years since New Zealand became a dominion, responsible for our own domestic affairs. Dominion status was a signal of our place in the world, as a self-governing nation within the British Empire" continued Mr Holden. "The Republican Movement - and a growing number of New Zealanders - believes that it is time we took the next step and declared ourselves a republic, with a New Zealander as our head of state - sending a signal to the world that we are a fully independent nation. We will be putting this challenge to the supporters of the status quo".

The topic of the debate will be "That on the centenary of New Zealand becoming a dominion, it is time for us to become a republic". Speakers from the Auckland University Debating Society, the Monarchist League and the Republican Movement will address the topic.

Where: Pioneer Women's Hall, Corner High Street and Freyberg Place, Auckland

When: Wednesday, 26th September 2007 from 6pm

Entry: Free

Media contact: Lewis Holden 027 699 1350

For more information about Dominion status, see our website:

www.republic.org.nz/dominion

ENDS

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