COMMENT: The Royals have repeatedly indicated NZ’s constitutional future is a matter for NZ to decide. They are not afraid of the conversation – but we are.
The Public Trust Office constantly reminds us of the importance of leaving our affairs in order. Can the same be said of New Zealand, as a nation?
The death of HRH Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, will understandably prompt renewed thought about this country’s ongoing constitutional arrangements. Until now, out of little more than polite deference, we have avoided discussing who should succeed the Queen as our head of state.
It’s time to begin that conversation.
We are not alone in this. Of the 54 member nations of the Commonwealth, only 15 former colonies are still constitutional monarchies – and some of them are also talking about whether a remote English aristocracy best represents the values of their own communities, like diversity and appointment by merit.
The Governor-General of Barbados, whose country has a grim history of enslavement of African peoples under the British, last year announced the country would move to elect its own head of state. This weekend, some in Jamaica signalled a readiness to hasten that country’s move to become a republic. And Australians, too, are readying themselves for this discussion.
The editorials in the Sydney Morning Herald and The Age today say the Duke’s passing is a reminder that the Queen’s time as head of the Commonwealth is coming to an end. “For many Australians who have greatly admired the Queen, and were never convinced of the need for a republic while she still carries out her duties, it will be a moment to reflect on what the future might hold.”
“What’s the matter with these people? Can’t they see what’s good for them?”
– Prince Philip
The Royals themselves have repeatedly flagged that New Zealand’s constitutional arrangements are a matter for New Zealand to decide. When Australians voted against electing a head of state of their own, Prince Philip’s immediate response was: “What’s the matter with these people? Can’t they see what’s good for them?”
The Mountbatten-Windsors are not afraid of the conversation – but it seems we are.
Well, this discussion is not going away. For instance, the Queen may now decide the disposition of the three titles held by the Duke of Edinburgh: Admiral of the Fleet of the Royal New Zealand Navy, Field Marshal of the New Zealand Army, and Marshal of the Royal New Zealand Air Force.
Should these titles be retired? They are also held by Charles, the Prince of Wales. Should they now be conferred upon another Royal with a close connection to the armed forces, like Prince William or Prince Harry? Or should a distinguished New Zealander hold these titles?
And in a few months New Zealand must decide its next Governor-General, the Queen's Representative in New Zealand. Dr Areti Metuamate, on behalf of a group of Māori leaders, has written to the Prime Minister calling for Dame Patsy Reddy to be succeeded by a Governor-General of Māori descent, which has happened only twice before.
At present, he points out, the Queen, the Governor-General, the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister, the Chief Justice and the Chief of Defence are all Pākehā. Does that suggest that our constitutional arrangements are reflective of New Zealand as a nation, and as a partnership of peoples in the south Pacific?
According to the Public Trust Office: “Having a will ensures that the people and things that matter most to you are taken care of if something happens to you.”
This is the time that the communities of Aotearoa, as a nation, should discuss those values that we share, and ensure we reflect them by taking care of those people and taonga for which we are responsible.
