PM favours New Zealand becoming republic

New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins said he personally favours his country becoming a republic, but it’s not a change he intends to push for as leader.

Hipkins made the comments to reporters hours before he was due to depart for this week’s coronation of King Charles III in London.

New Zealand, a former British colony, is self-governing but Charles retains a largely ceremonial role as head of state and king. Charles is represented in New Zealand by a governor-general.

Like many former British colonies, New Zealand continues to wrestle with what — if any — constitutional role the British monarchy should play in modern times.