The Queen’s 80th

Today was the Queen’s 80th birthday. By a quirk of timing it was also the day the Republican Movement had a Council meeting which I attended. So no loyal toast 🙂

Despite being a Republican I think the Queen does a superb job as the British Head of State. Almost impeccable (Charles is another matter). But my support for NZ becoming a republic is not based on personalities. It is based on two beliefs:

1 – The New Zealand head of state should be a New Zealander who lives in New Zealand.

2 – Hereditary rule (even in a constitutional monarchy) is a bad idea. The Romans got rid of their Kings just over 2,500 years ago – time for us to catch up.