The Republic of New Zealand Party

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The Republic of New Zealand Party (RONZP or "The Republicans") is a small political party in New Zealand. The party is not to be confused with the Republican Movement of Aotearoa New Zealand, which is a non-partisan orgainisation advocating a republic.

[edit] Policies

Despite the party's name, its policy to abolish the New Zealand monarchy and establish a Republic of New Zealand is only a small part of its programme. The party proposes a republic following the Presidential system^[1], which would see a directly elected head of state - though the party leader Kerry Bevin has been quoted as saying that "No Head of State is necessary; the Monarchy and the Governor General are irrelevant". The party supports:

• The adoption of a written and codified constitution (New Zealand currently has an unwritten constitution), intending that this constitution would supersede and nullify the Treaty of Waitangi;
• Direct democracy - referendums on "important issues";
• The abolition of any government institutions based on ethnicity;

The party also has a relatively strong position on social matters, and supports:

• "Fathers' rights";
• "Fathers Back in Families";
• Gender equality;
• Child support and benefits reform
• Replacing the Family Court with mediation
• Establishing a Men's Ministry

The party has recently stated its opposition to Sue Bradford's members' bill to repeal section 59 of the Crimes Act.^[2]

[edit] Leadership

The party's leader is Kerry Bevin. Bevin is a New Zealand Men's movement activist. The party was officially registered on 15 July 2005.

[edit] Election results

In the 2005 elections, the party won 344 votes or 0.02%^[3], well below the 5% threshold required to enter parliament without an electorate seat (which they did not win). This was the lowest amount of votes won by a registered party at that election. The NZRP candidate in the Maungakiekie electorate, Bevan Berg, received the second fewest votes for any candidate in New Zealand^[4][5].

[edit] Party officials

• Chairman: Dave Llewell
• Party secretary: Richard Nightingale

[edit] See also

• Republicanism in New Zealand

[edit] External links

• Official website
• Small parties battle election arithmetic

[edit] References

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