New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said on Monday that her government would not pursue any move to change the country into a republic following the death of Mr. Queen Elizabeth II.
Ardern said she thinks New Zealand will eventually become a republic, and that it will likely happen in her lifetime, but there are more pressing issues facing her government.
Her first comments on the New Zealand republic debate since the queen’s death, and reflect previous comments she has made on the issue. Ardern has also previously expressed his support for the country eventually becoming a republic.
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Under the current system, the British monarch is the head of state of New Zealand, represented in New Zealand by a governor general. The role of the President today is primarily considered ceremonial.
However, many argue that New Zealand will not fully emerge from the shadow of its colonial past and become a truly independent nation until it becomes a republic.
“There’s been a debate, maybe for years,” Ardern said. “It’s just the speed, and how widely that debate is going. I have made my point simple many times. I believe that’s where New Zealand is going at the right time. I believe it has the potential to happen in my life.
“But I don’t see it as a short-term measure or anything on the agenda,” Ardern said.
She said becoming a republic was not something her government intended to discuss at any point.
“Like I said, a big part is because I never felt the urgency,” says Ardern. “There are many challenges that we face. This is a big, important debate. I don’t think it will happen quickly. “
Elizabeth’s death and the accession of King Charles III to the throne have revived debate about the republic in many countries around the world.
Charles became head of state not only in Great Britain and New Zealand but also in 13 other countries, including Canada, Jamaica and Australia.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese began laying the groundwork for an Australian republic after he was elected in May. But he said Sunday that now is not the time for change but to pay tribute to Elizabeth. He previously said that holding a referendum on becoming a republic was not a priority during his first term in government.
In the past, many in New Zealand had speculated that the republican debate would only gain momentum after Elizabeth’s death, due to its much-loved popularity.
Ardern says she doesn’t link the two events. “I never mounted it that way,” she said.
Elizabeth’s image appears on many New Zealand coins and banknotes. led the nation’s central bank to advise people that the currency she depicted would still have legal value after her death.
Ardern also announced on Monday that New Zealand will mark Elizabeth’s death with a public holiday on September 26. The country will hold a state memorial service on that date in the capital, Wellington.
Ardern said Elizabeth was an extraordinary person and many New Zealanders would appreciate the opportunity to mark her death and celebrate her life.
Ardern said: “As Queen of New Zealand and much-loved monarch for more than 70 years, we mark her life of devoted public service with a state memorial service. and a single holiday,” Ardern said.
Ardern said she will leave Britain this week to attend Elizabeth’s funeral.
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