Campuses debate republicanism

University debating societies up and down the country are holding debates with the Republican Movement in March, taking Keith Locke's Head of State Referenda Bill to the public.

"The Prime Minister does not want to give the public a say on whether to have a referendum this time round, so we're taking the debate to where it matters - the people of New Zealand" said Lewis Holden, chair of the Republican Movement.

Debates will be held in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, New Zealand's three main centres:

- 11 March - Canterbury University
- 15 March - Victoria University of Wellington
- 24 March - Auckland University

"A republic is a chance to improve our democratic traditions. We want to empower ordinary New Zealanders and remind our elected representatives that power comes from the people, not from Buckingham Palace. That's exactly why the Republican Movement encourages as many New Zealanders to engage in the debate as possible" concluded Mr Holden.

More details on the debates can be found at www.republic.org.nz/events

ENDS