By Laura Frykberg
Prince William and Kate Middleton’s Royal Wedding has revived New Zealand’s faith in the monarchy, according to a new poll.
Seventy-four percent of those polled approve of the royal family, and the majority don’t expect New Zealand to become a republic any time soon. That’s compared with 60 percent in 2002.
Of those polled, 58 percent oppose New Zealand becoming a republic. Just 24 percent support it.
A total 18 percent are unsure.
In 2005, 58 percent thought the country would become a republic in the next 20 years. Just 29 percent thought it wouldn’t. But the Republican Movement of Aotearoa says people’s love of a good celebration is behind the increase, not the monarchy.
Spokesman Lewis Holden also says the polls simply reflect the royal pair’s popularity.
The UMR poll sampled 750 New Zealanders aged 18 and over.
It also found opposition to a republican New Zealand is the strongest it has been for over a decade.
So it’s unlikely to be Goodbye to mother England just yet.
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