16 August

New Zealanders are warming to the idea of becoming a republic after a survey showed that support for a republic had doubled to 34 percent over the last 10 years, leading to the prediction that NZ would follow Australia’s example and put the issue to the vote. Prime Minister, Jenny Shipley said she did not believe any change was imminent, “It is rarely raised with me,” she said. The same study found that New Zealanders have grown so disillusioned with government that many favour the country being run by a board of directors, a team of experts or even by a strong leader who could ignore a squabbling and indecisive parliament.