MEDIA RELEASE 19 December 2012

Poll shows Charles failed to impress New Zealanders

"The latest poll of voters shows New Zealanders were unmoved by the Prince Charles' publicity tour. His support did not rise above 51% and the number of voters who want a New Zealander as the next head of State has increased to 41%" said Lewis Holden, chair of the Republican Movement.

Conducted by Curia Market Research, the poll also revealed for the first time that the majority of the (approx) 1.35 million voters who want a New Zealand head of State now support direct election. Only 10% of New Zealanders wanted a head of state elected by parliament. This means direct election is favoured three to one over indirect election. "Both direct and indirect election have merit and as voters learn more about indirect election we expect it to gain in popularity" said Mr Holden.

The poll was conducted following the tour of Charles and Camilla in November, the final cost of which is looking to be close to $1 million. "It will take time to better inform voters and hold a referendum on having an NZ head of state. These results show it is the time to make clear plans about how we want to choose a New Zealander for the role. The majority of 18 - 30 year olds support a New Zealander as our head of State, as do Maori and Asian New Zealanders. The race is narrowing with a very steady decrease in undecided voters" concluded Mr Holden.

NOTES

The poll was of 1,053 voting age New Zealand and the question asked was:

When Queen Elizabeth’s reign ends what is your preference for NZ?
1. Prince Charles becomes King of New Zealand?
2. New Zealand has a New Zealander as Head of State appointed by Parliament?
3. New Zealand has a New Zealander as Head of State elected by the popular vote?
Historical Results

Previous polls by Curia found:
• 31 March - 14 April 2008 Republic: 41% Prince Charles: 43% Don't know: 15% MOE: +/- 3.3% (964 surveyed)
• 25 March - 7 April 2009 Republic: 43% Prince Charles: 45% Don't know: 13% MOE: +/- 3.1% (1,018 surveyed)
• 29 March - 13 April 2010 Republic: 37% Prince Charles: 51% Don't know: 12% MOE: +/- 3.2% (1,053 surveyed)
• 1 April - 28 April 2011 Republic: 35% Prince Charles: 54% Don't know: 11% MOE: +/- 3.2% (1,016 surveyed)
2012 Results
• 29 March - 13 April 2012 Republic: 36% Prince Charles: 51% Don't know: 11% MOE: +/- 3.2% (1,053 surveyed)
• 19 Nov - 4 December 2012 Republic: 41% (31%/ 10%) Prince Charles: 51% Don't know: 7% +/- 3.2% (1,004 surveyed)
ENDS
The Republican Movement is a network of New Zealanders who want our head of state to be elected by New Zealanders - either directly or indirectly. We are committed to:
• involving all New Zealanders in the republic debate;
• providing relevant and reliable information;
• focusing on ideas, not personalities;
• winning a referendum to establish the republic;
Creating a republic does not require any change to the Treaty of Waitangi, flag or Commonwealth membership. For more information, see our website: www.republic.org.nz

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