Both of
the parties will now seek to form a coalition with the minor
parties in order to reach the 61 seats required.
Bill English became Prime Minister of New Zealand in December
2016 following the surprise resignation of his predecessor, John
KeyMr English became the 16th Prime Minister to have governed over
the country during Her Majesty The Queen’s reign. He has previously
expressed his support for the continuation of the monarchy in New
Zealand.
His rival, Jacinda Ardern, has expressed republican tendencies
in the past. Speaking to The Times, Ms Ardern
said: “I am a republican, but you will find there are people in New
Zealand who aren’t actively pursuing that change.
“It’s certainly not about my view of the monarchy but my view of
New Zealand’s place in the world and carving out our own future. So
that is what drives my sentiment.”
The Queen and the governmental system of Constitutional Monarchy
are becoming less popular in New Zealand as the years go by. A poll
conducted last year suggests 60 per cent of people favouring
becoming a republic, rising to 76 per cent among those aged 18 to
30.
The poll showed that young people, in particular, were keen to
cut ties with Britain, with 76 per cent of those between the ages
of 18 to 30 wanting to become a republic.
However, Ms Ardern does say that the debate on whether to lose
the Monarchy will be an uncomfortable situation.
She said: “No matter when you have the conversation there’s a
knock-on effect, there’s a much-loved monarch who will be affected
by that decision.”
Even if she remains unelected, Ms Ardern’s comments no doubt
reopen the conversation over The Queen’s role in modern day
Australiasia.
