New Zealand may become a republic, but not anytime soon, says Ardern

SYDNEY, Sept 13 (Reuters) – New Zealand will not actively take any steps to become a republic in the near term following the death of Queen Elizabeth, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said, although she expects the Pacific nation will eventually become one.

“I’ve never felt the urgency. There are so many challenges we face. This is a big, important debate. Don’t think it’s one that would or should happen quickly,” Ardern told reporters on Monday, when asked if the change in British monarch will spark conversations about republicanism in the country.

New Zealand is one of 15 kingdoms that count the British monarch as head of state, including Australia and Canada, although the role is largely ceremonial. But there has been debate for some time about whether the Pacific nation should become a republic, with a citizen as head of state.

“I think that’s where New Zealand will go in time. I think it will probably happen in my lifetime, but I don’t see it as a short-term measure or something that’s on the agenda right now ,” Ardern said.

New Zealand will mark Queen Elizabeth’s passing with a state memorial service and a one-off public holiday on September 26, Ardern said. Ardern will represent New Zealand with the Governor-General at the Queen’s funeral and will travel to London on Wednesday.

The Queen’s passing has also fueled debates about the future of the monarchy across the Tasman Sea in Australia. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who has previously voiced support for a republic, has said his Labor government will not seek a referendum in its first term. Read more

Reporting by Renju Jose and Lewis Jackson; Editing by Chris Reese

Our standards: Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.