Jacinda Ardern has confirmed New Zealand will not pursue becoming a republic following the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
Under constitutional arrangements, Queen Elizabeth II was also New Zealand’s head of state.
Following her death, there were fears that New Zealand seek to become a republic.
But Ms Ardern has since said such a move was “not on the agenda any time soon”.
Jacinda Ardern
LOREN ELLIOTT
Queen Elizabeth II
Kirsty O'Connor
She said: “There’s been a debate, probably for a number of years.
“It’s just the pace, and how widely that debate is occurring. I’ve made my view plain many times.
“I do believe that is where New Zealand will head, in time. I believe it is likely to occur in my lifetime.
“But I don’t see it as a short-term measure or anything that is on the agenda any time soon.”
She added: “As I say, in large part actually because I’ve never sensed the urgency.
“There are so many challenges we face. This is a large, significant debate. I don’t think it’s one that would or should occur quickly.”
Ms Ardern also hailed Queen Elizabeth II’s “enormous contribution to New Zealand” after confirming that New Zealand would observe a public holiday on September 26.
She said: “This, I hope, will be a chance to acknowledge a lifetime of service to New Zealand by Queen Elizabeth II,”
“We need to acknowledge here (that) this is a one-in-70-year event. The queen was our sovereign, our head of state.”
“She made an enormous contribution to New Zealand through her public service.
“This marks a significant end to a chapter.