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Jacinda Ardern Believes New Zealand Will Become A Republic In Her Lifetime

Jacinda Ardern Believes New Zealand Will Become A Republic In Her Lifetime

The Kiwi Prime Minister believes there will be a 'time and place' to have that conversation.

Stewart Perrie

Stewart Perrie

Jacinda Ardern believes New Zealand will become a republic before she dies.

New Zealand is currently part of the 54-member Commonwealth of Nations however the country's Prime Minister reckons the tide could soon change.

Ironically, she made this announcement while revealing who New Zealand's next Governor General would be, and who will serve as the Queen's representative.

Dame Cindy Kiro has been named as the successor to the role and will replace Dame Patsy Reddy.

Jacinda Ardern with Dame Cindy Kiro.
PA

But the Prime Minister doesn't think the monarchy versus republic debate will happen any time soon because it's not a pressing issue.

"I've been very clear that despite being a republican, I'm not of the view that in the here-and-now in my term of office, that this is something New Zealanders feel particularly strongly about," Ardern said.

"I don't know that I've had one person actually raise with me generally day-to-day the issue of becoming a republic.

"This Government has prioritised those issues that we do see as a priority. But I do still think there will be a time and a place; I just don't see it as now."

Jacinda Ardern has also recognised that it would be one hell of an undertaking if New Zealand was prepared to have that conversation.

The country could still remain as part of the Commonwealth of Nations if it pleased and it would join 33 of the 54 member nations who have become republics.

Republics within in the Commonwealth have been permitted since 1949 and Ireland and Zimbabwe are the only two republics who ended up ditching the Commonwealth.

Ms Ardern said until her country is ready for the hotly contested debate, it won't be an issue that will be pursued.

The incoming Governor General, Dame Cindy Kiro, said the issue of monarchy versus republic won't be on her mind.

"Clearly I accept the Queen as the head of state of the Commonwealth and I'm here to support her and I'm here to act in a role as the Governor-General to perform the duty which is around uniting the country," she said.

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: New Zealand, News