WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) – New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said Monday her government would take no steps to transform the country into a republic after the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
Ardern said she thought New Zealand would eventually become a republic and it would likely happen in her lifetime, but there were more pressing issues for her government.
The remarks were her first on the New Zealand republic debate since the Queen’s death and echo previous comments she has made on the subject. Ardern has also previously expressed support for the country eventually becoming a republic.
Under the current system, the British monarch is New Zealand’s head of state, represented in New Zealand by a governor-general. The role of the governor-general is now seen primarily as ceremonial.
Still, many people argue that New Zealand will not fully emerge from the shadow of its colonial past and become a truly independent nation until it becomes a republic.
“There’s probably been a debate for a number of years,” Ardern said. “It’s just the pace and how far this debate is going. I have made my point clear many times. I believe that NZ will go there with time. I think it will probably happen in my lifetime.
“But I don’t see it as a short-term measure or anything that’s on the agenda anytime soon,” Ardern said.
She said becoming a republic is not something her government wants to discuss at any point.
“Like I said, in large part because I never felt the urgency,” Ardern said. “There are so many challenges that we have to face. This is a big, important debate. I don’t think it would or should happen quickly.”
The Death of Elizabeth and the Accession of King Charles III. has revived the republic debate in many countries around the world.
Charles not only became head of state in Great Britain and New Zealand, but also in 13 other countries, including Canada, Jamaica and Australia.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese began laying the foundations for an Australian republic after his election in May. But he said on Sunday that now is not the time for a change, but to pay tribute to Elizabeth. He previously said that holding a referendum on establishing a republic was not a priority of his first term in government.
Many people in New Zealand have speculated in the past that the debate over the Republic would only gain momentum after Elizabeth’s death, given how much she was loved by so many.
Ardern said she did not link the two events. “I’ve never fastened it like that,” she said.
Elizabeth’s image appears on many New Zealand coins and notes. prompted the country’s central bank to tell people that the currency it represents will remain legal tender after their death.
Ardern also announced on Monday that New Zealand will mark Elizabeth’s death with a public holiday on September 26. The nation will hold a state memorial service on the day in the capital, Wellington.
Ardern said Elizabeth was an extraordinary person and many New Zealanders would appreciate the opportunity to celebrate her death and celebrate her life.
“As New Zealand’s Queen and much-loved sovereign for over 70 years, it is fitting that we honor her life of public service with a state memorial service and a unique holiday,” Ardern said.
Ardern said she will be heading to the UK this week to attend Elizabeth’s funeral.