The government of New Zealand is to sponsor a research project into the role of its hereditary head of state, who it shares with Britain and some former British colonies.
Two constitutional lawyers will spend three years looking at the country’s constitution. A Cabinet Officer legal researcher will work with them.
Former governor-general Cath Tizard described the project as “very positive” according to the New Zealand Herald. She said she favoured a republic and thought the project would help smooth the change.
But Prime Minister John Key, a republican, said that he would not be pushing for a republic during his term of office. He stressed the independence of the research project.
Alison Quentin-Baxter, one of the lawyers who are to do the research, said the book that would be published at the end of the project would spell out the constitutional law and conventions on the power and influence of the feudal head of state and the governor-general, her New Zealand representative. The book would note any areas of confusion or controversy but would not propose changes to the law.
The New Zealand republican movement welcomed the project while the monarchist league denied it would be of political significance.