MEDIA RELEASE: 18 December 2009

The Republican Movement strongly urges Parliament to enact the Law Commission's proposed Governor-General Bill. The Bill has been put forward following review of the outdated colonial provisions of the Civil List Act, which give the Governor-General tax-free status.

"We are pleased that the Bill would make the Governor-General pay income tax like every other New Zealander, as we argued in our submission to the review" said Lewis Holden, chair of the Republican Movement.

"It is also great to see that outdated and irrelevant provisions from the colonial era are to be repealed. The Act currently provides for payments for a Governors' sail-boat trip from Britain to New Zealand!" continued Mr Holden.

All Governors-General since 1972 have been New Zealand residents. The office of Governor-General has evolved rapidly since World War II; from the British Government's mouthpiece in New Zealand to a position of some standing in the community. But the Governor-General is not representative of New Zealand and New Zealanders, as he or she is the Queen's representative first and foremost. They are appointed by the Queen on the Prime Minister's advice, not by public nomination or election.

"The Bill will make the transition of to an elected head of state similar to the position of Governor-General a far more straight forward process. With Parliament set to debate the Head of State Referenda Bill next year, and Prince William's Royal Tour, the republic issue will be front of mind for many New Zealanders" concluded Mr Holden.

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