www.monarchy.org.nz || media@monarchy.org.nz

4 May 2010

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Hug A Republican Day

Monarchy New Zealand is calling for Wednesday 5 May to be called “Hug a Republican Day.” It has been a rough year for republicans, so if you can find one,give them a hug. They probably need it.

In contrast, New Zealand’s Monarchy has enjoyed a remarkably successful year; a
success which is good for Kiwis and democracy in Aotearoa. This time last year, the public responded positively to the restoration of knighthoods to the New Zealand

Royal Honours System. Soon after, the title of Queen’s Counsel was re-introduced
to recognise outstanding members of the bar.

In November, Prince Edward visited Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch. Up and down the country he celebrated young Kiwis’ success through the Duke of Edinburgh’s Hillary Award. Visits to the International Antarctic Centre and Sir

Peter Jackson’s Weta Workshop drew attention to New Zealand’s leadership in
environmental matters and special effects technology.

There was also the enormously successful visit of Prince William in January. Second in line to the New Zealand throne, William was greeted by large crowds in

Auckland and Wellington. International media coverage generated substantial
free advertising for New Zealand tourism. The Prince’s opening of the Supreme
Court building powerfully demonstrated the political independence of our courts.

Finally, Green Party MP Keith Locke’s Private Member’s Bill was soundly defeated in Parliament in late April.

A case of ‘one man’s hobby horse’, the Bill was a waste of taxpayer’s time and money. The public was thoroughly uninterested and is, no doubt, pleased that MPs have got back to issues of concern to all Kiwis.

It’s not surprising that republicans appear downcast, frequently negative, and out of touch with modern New Zealand and the Kiwi mood in general. In a lighthearted gesture, Monarchy New Zealand calls on Kiwis to try to find a republican or two and give them a hug.

ends

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