NZ a republic?

[MotherBear]

Kiwis split on republicanism
Monday, 21 April 2008

Opinion on whether New Zealand should become a republic is fairly evenly split in a poll released today ? timed to coincide with Queen Elizabeth's 82nd birthday.

The Republican Movement commissioned poll found 41 per cent of those surveyed wanted New Zealand to become a republic, and did not want Prince Charles to become New Zealand's head of state when the Queen's reign ended.

However 43 per cent continued to support the status quo, with 15 per cent stating they do not know either way.

Republican Movement chairman Lewis Holden said the poll showed a shift towards change.

"These results shows the importance of addressing the growing public mood for change. A large number of voting New Zealanders ? about 1.4 million ? want our country to become a republic either now or when the Queen's reign ends," he said.

The poll followed a March Colmar-Brunton poll which put support for "the Queen as head of state" at 66 per cent.

Mr Holden said that poll showed significant good feeling towards the Queen.

"The Republican Movement's poll finds that the goodwill does not transfer to her son, Prince Charles, who inherits the role irrespective of what New Zealanders want."

The phone poll of 964 voting-age New Zealanders was conducted between March 31 ? April 14.

It had a margin of error of 3.3 per cent and was commissioned by the Republican Movement and undertaken by Curia Market Research Limited.

- NZPA

From here .