MEDIA RELEASE: 23 March 2010

Republican Movement challenges Monarchy NZ

"The Republican Movement challenges Monarchy New Zealand to explain why Keith Locke's Head of State Referenda Bill is "very poorly drafted" and suggest improvements to it" said Lewis Holden, chair of the Republican Movement.

Monarchy New Zealand chair Professor Noel Cox, a legal scholar, made the comments to the Victoria University student newspaper Salient in an interview published yesterday.

"Professor Cox is well known for his work in the area of constitutional law. He has a wealth of knowledge and experience to contribute. If Monarchy New Zealand thinks Keith's Bill has flaws, they should support the Bill going to Select Committee so that the flaws can be highlighted and rectified" continued Mr Holden.

The Bill is up for its first vote in Parliament later this month or early April. After its first reading it will be referred to Select Committee, where all New Zealanders will be able to make submissions on the Bill.

"It is nonsensical for Monarchy New Zealand to oppose the Bill going to Select Committee, and deny New Zealanders the chance to discuss the issue, while claiming the Bill is poorly drafted. If New Zealanders really do support the monarchy as Professor Cox claims, he should have nothing to fear from debating the issue" concluded Mr Holden.

ENDS

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