MEDIA RELEASE 4 February 2012

"This Waitangi Day is an important time to start thinking about where New Zealand is headed as a nation - not just where we've been" said Republican Movement chair Lewis Holden.

The Queen's Ascension Day coincides with Waitangi Day, something which Jock Philips of the Ministry of Culture and Heritage describes as an "accident of history".

"The Queen has been our head of state for 60 years this year. While there will be plenty of reflection on the past, the Republican Movement's focus remains on New Zealand's future, especially with the forthcoming consitutional review" continued Mr Holden.

On Waitangi Day, the Republican Movement will publish its draft policy statement for public discussion. This statement will form the basis of its campaign to start New Zealanders thinking about who our head of state is.

"The transition to a New Zealand republic is a simple, but important step in New Zealand's progression to full and unambigous independence. Whether we think the Queen has done a great job as our head of state for the last 60 years or not, the reality is New Zealand is a very different place than it was in 1952. What will the next 60 years bring us as a country?

A New Zealand republic can still retain our historical links as a former part of the British Empire while asserting our nation on the world stage. It's time to ask: where are we headed?" concluded Mr Holden.
NOTES
• The Republican Movement's draft policy statement will be published on Waitangi Day here: www.republic.org.nz/policy
ENDS
The Republican Movement is a network of New Zealanders who want our head of state to be elected by New Zealanders - either directly or indirectly.
We are committed to:
• involving all New Zealanders in the republic debate;
• focusing on ideas, not personalities;
• winning a referendum to establish the republic;
Creating a republic does not require any change to the Treaty of Waitangi, flag or Commonwealth membership. For more information, see our website: www.republic.org.nz

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