Outdated Oath of Allegiance shows need for Kiwi Head of State

MPs are sworn in today and New Zealand Republic has written to MPs asking them to talk about why 121 New Zealanders elected by the people of New Zealand and standing in the New Zealand Parliament swear allegiance to another country's Head of State.

The group has sent every MP a copy of their plans for turning the Office of Governor-General into New Zealand's first democratically-selected Head of State.

The proposals call for the establishment of a Head of State Commission to oversee the transition. It is important Kiwis are given reliable information so they can make an informed choice on what is best for the whole country.

The group's Chairman and Spokesman, Savage, called on MPs to start the process sooner rather than later. "The out-dated Oath of Allegiance that every MP repeats is an obvious example of why we need to shift to a New Zealand Head of State. Our MPs should be swearing allegiance to New Zealand, to New Zealanders or to a New Zealand Head of State"

"The Governor-General already fulfills the role of Head of State. We should accept that reality and make it official. It will take time to achieve that in a fair and democratic way so better to start sooner rather than later."

"We are our own country and it is time to update the way we do things to better reflect modern New Zealand.

A copy of the letter sent to all 121 MPs is available below.

A copy of the policy statement is available at www.republic.org.nz

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