Over the weekend, Labour leader Phil Goff came out in support of a republic, saying that it would be the "making of New Zealand as a country" and that we need to start talking about it now:
"Succession of the monarchy is the time to have a head of state who is a New Zealander," said Goff. "We need to start the conversation now. Don't rush it. Fully consult the people of New Zealand. It's a major change and needs a reasonable consensus."And he's right. This isn't something we can do in a rush when the Queen drops dead. If we want to do it right, and ensure that the changeover is smooth and undisruptive, we need to prepare in advance. And that means a formal inquiry into what needs to be done, and legislation to amend the Constitution Act 1986 to provide for the change on the demise of the crown.[...]
"Let's begin a formal process now," said Goff. "Where do we want to be in 20 years?"
But what I want to know is whether Goff's support is simply personal, or whether this means that Labour will commit to starting this process next time they are in government. Otherwise, it is simply meaningless.