The Herald yesterday devoted its editorial to the case for a republic, and highlighting the complete absence of political leadership on the issue:
Both Prime Ministers [Kevin Rudd and John Key] have suggested that cutting free the monarchy is not a priority, given the many serious issues facing their countries. More likely, they see no political gain in committing to a process that would deliver this outcome.This sort of political change doesn't just happen - people need to make it happen. And that means standing up, making a case, and trying to convince people. And if our so-called political leaders won't do this for something they ostensibly believe is "inevitable", then they are no leaders at all.Therein lies the problem. As inevitable and as desirable as a republic is, there is, generally speaking, no strong or strident support for it.
Support for the monarchy is equally tepid. If republican sentiment is to blossom, it needs to be galvanised from above. Such a process, done well, would lead to a seeping into the national consciousness of the idea that not only is a republic inevitable but that it should be established sooner, rather than later.
Super City governance for Auckland has trodden this path. Convince New Zealanders to adopt a republican state of mind and a republican state will surely follow.
