Head of State Referenda Bill to Be Debated in Parliament Tonight

"Tonight, on the Queen's 84th birthday, will be the first time New Zealand's parliament debates our future as a republic. Keith Locke's Head of State Referenda Bill is up for its first reading" said Lewis Holden, chair of the Republican Movement. The Bill would bring about a referendum on a republic, with three options put before the people of New Zealand: 1) keeping the monarchy; 2) a republic with a head of state nominated by the people of New Zealand and elected by a three-quarters (75%) majority of parliament; or 3) a republic with a head of state nominated by the people of New Zealand and elected by popular vote, using STV.

If none of these options gains a majority, a second run-off referendum will be held between the two most popular options. "This Bill gives New Zealanders a chance to debate the issues around republicanism and take a serious look at the simple, yet important changes needed. The Attorney-General has already raised questions around consistency in the voting process. That is a good reason for the Bill to go to select committee - so that it can be amended" continued Mr Holden. "We urge our politicians to let New Zealanders have a say on the Bill, and for it to go to select committee" concluded Mr Holden. NOTES For more information, see www.republic.org.nz/headofstatebill [5] [1]

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