"The latest opinion poll results are in, and 55% of New Zealanders want a New Zealander as our next head of state, only 39% want the next British monarch. This is the third poll in the past three years showing a majority support for an independent head of state" said Lewis Holden, campaign chair of New Zealand Republic.

The poll, commissioned by New Zealand Republic, was undertaken by Curia during April. New Zealand Republic has run this poll since 2013, based on the two most practical paths forward to an independent head of state."We can see in these results an increase in New Zealanders who favour a parliamentarily appointed head of state.”

"It's pleasing to see in these results that a New Zealand head of state is most popular with New Zealanders aged 18-30. 76% want to a New Zealand head of state. Maori are also strongly in favour of an independent head of state, with 80% of Maori respondents favouring the two options for change. Moving beyond this colonial institution and undertaking genuine Maori engagement is key to this transition" continued Mr Holden.

"New Zealand Republic has a clear plan for how this transition can occur, with a clear consultation and referendum process. We will release more details on this in the coming months" concluded Mr Holden.

NOTES

The poll was conducted between 8 and 24 April from 15,000 random nationwide voting-age New Zealanders, with 1,000 surveyed weighted by age and gender. The margin of error was +/- 3.1% The question asked was:

"What is your preference for New Zealand’s next Head of State out of the following three options?

• The next British Monarch becomes King of New Zealand
•
• New Zealand has a New Zealander as Head of State elected by a two-thirds majority in Parliament
•
• New Zealand has a New Zealander as Head of State who is elected by the popular vote"

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