Republican Movement Welcomes Moore's Call For Convention

15 January 2008

"The Republican Movement welcomes former Prime Minister Mike Moore's call for a constitutional convention" said Lewis Holden, chair of the Republican Movement of Aotearoa New Zealand.

The former Prime Minister wrote today in the New Zealand Herald that "Constitutional change ought not to be rushed or hurried, and should only be entered into after deliberate, detailed and sober consideration, consultation and reflection". Any proposed constitutional convention should look at all the republic options.

"Since the republic debate began, republicans have consistently called for discussion about New Zealand's constitutional future, how we could improve our democracy and create a head of state of our own. We are pleased to see that Mr Moore is now involved in this discussion" continued Mr Holden.

In his article, Mr Moore reflects that without reform New Zealand's constitution risks losing the essential elements of democracy. The former WTO director-general calls for a constitutional convention of 'eminent persons' to determine important constitutional issues.

"The Republican Movement believes that any final decision on a republic should be made by New Zealanders at a referendum. A New Zealand republic is about having a New Zealander as our head of state - we've already got a de facto head of state in the Governor-General, a republic would simply bring our constitution into line with this reality. A constitutional convention would be a major step in recognising this reality" concluded Mr Holden.

The Republican Movement is a network of New Zealanders who want our head of state to be elected by New Zealanders - either directly or indirectly.

We are committed to:

* involving all New Zealanders in the republic debate;

* providing relevant and reliable information;

* focusing on ideas, not personalities;

* winning a referendum to establish the republic;

Creating a republic does not require any change to the Treaty of Waitangi, flag or Commonwealth membership. For more information, see our website: www.republic.org.nz [1]

ENDS

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