NZ should become a republic - Labour

29 Oct 2009 08:03p.m.

Alan wrote:

I support the New Zealand as a republic. You (New Zealanders) can choose one of you as a head of state. Why you until now still "import" your head of state from other country. Become a republic first, later you can choose what type of republic you want. The best system is a "semi-presidential system". The President and Prime Minister can be "check & balance" one and each other, and the same time can share the idea and co-operate together for country development.

25 Sep 2009 02:15a.m.

D wrote:

In Response to Mike, I view your opinion on this matter as rather uneducated, as implied by your statements. Frankly, you fail to see the issues that will arise. We do not send money to the Queen every year! She only receives money from the New Zealand Govt when she acts on our behalf, this does not equate to a salary, it pays for things like accommodation travel ect, and our Govt does not bear the full cost, on when she is present in NZ. Secondly, the removal tax tariffs is not the only mandate of the Commonwealth, the others include: promotion of democracy and individual liberty; the pursuit of equality and opposition to racism; the fight against poverty, ignorance, and disease; and free trade. Besides New Zealand would be a member of the commonwealth even if we turned into a republic. Thirdly, it is the British House of Commons funding those campaigns, not the Queen. The Queen is a dignified executive and has no real power, and France does not even come into the equation. Do not blame these campaigns on a person whom has no control over them. Fourthly let me pose these questions to all, if we get rid of the Queen, what do we fill the gap with? The Queen (In NZ, Governor General) has many reserve powers she can exercise, generally on the advice on the Prime Minister. Do we let a person that we elect but cannot control have these powers? What about our constitution? We are going to have to have a written or more defined one before NZ becomes a republic, as at the moment the Queen plays an integral role in our un-written constitution. (These are not even half the questions that need to be answered and they need to be answered well for a republic to work.) I agree with Cherie, we have far more pressing matters. The Governance we have at the current time works, lets us not stuff it up.

24 Sep 2009 03:20p.m.

cherie wrote:

Mike what amount, what for and when exactly?

24 Sep 2009 01:18a.m.

Mike wrote:

Actually Cherie the NZ government does send money to the queen every year.
Alien the commonwealth has done nothing to remove unfair tax and tariffs on our meat and dairy industry. The British government has helped fund campaigns to encourage their people not to buy NZ products in favour of euro prods. France and Britain both pay their farmers subsidies to make them more competitive and able to undercut our exports.

23 Sep 2009 08:39p.m.

Nate wrote:

From http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Republicanism_in_New_Zealand#Constitutional_issues ... what happens to the treaty of waitangi, niue and the cook islands

23 Sep 2009 04:57p.m.

Deane wrote:

Good idea. We have no benefit belonging to the commonwealth.

We are totally different and should follow Canada.

23 Sep 2009 03:57p.m.

cherie wrote:

Oh please. Are there not more important issues we are facing right now.
Over eighty per cent of the people who got gongs under the new labour structure opted to change back to the old way.
And as for holding a referendum why would we want to spend money on something that in not binding.
Three questions.
Who would be our president?
Is there something wrong with how it is a the present time?
Do we have to pay the queen?
We would a pres

23 Sep 2009 03:45p.m.

Alien wrote:

Democracy at work. why? that is what an election is about, voting in the party that best suits the policies that you support.

23 Sep 2009 02:56p.m.

wolfman wrote:

You idiots had 9 years to bring this to the fore, so why didn't you? I think we should be a republic, and in the new constitution or in a referendum, one question should be asked. Should we become a republic, and throw the Treaty of Waitangi or is it Whaitangi in the garbage. That would be the only reason I would vote for a republic. Maori can then bludge off the British Govt for their payouts.

23 Sep 2009 02:16p.m.

David wrote:

A fantastic idea. It's ludicrous and treacherous to think it's acceptable for NZ to have a foreigner as head of state. New Zealand for New Zealanders!