Next month, Parliament will debate the issue of a New Zealand republic for the first time, when Keith Locke's Head of State Referenda Bill comes before the House. But the republican movement isn't just leaving it up to the politicians: they've organised a series of debates around the country to take the issue to the people:
Debates will be held in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, New Zealand's three main centres:(Links added)
- 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.
Show up, hear the issue, and then let your MP know about it.
