The Republic of New Zealand Party

Infobox_Political_Party
party_name = The Republic of New Zealand Party
party_
colorcode = #000000
chairman = Dave Llewell
secretary = Richard Nightingale
leader = Kerry Bevin
foundation = 15 July 2005
ideology = Republicanism,
Conservatism
headquarters =
website = [http://www.republicans.org.nz/ The Republic of New Zealand Party]

The Republic of New Zealand Party (RONZP or "The Republicans") is a small political party in New Zealand. The party is not to be confused with the Republican Movement of Aotearoa New Zealand, which is a non-partisan orgainisation advocating a republic.

Policies

Despite the party's name, its policy to abolish the New Zealand monarchy and establish a Republic of New Zealand is only a small part of its programme. The party proposes a republic following the Presidential system [http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0704/S00302.htm Source] ] , which would see a directly elected head of state - though the party leader Kerry Bevin has been quoted as saying that "No Head of State is necessary; the Monarchy and the Governor General are irrelevant". The party supports:
* The adoption of a written and codified constitution (New Zealand currently has an unwritten constitution), intending that this constitution would supersede and nullify the Treaty of Waitangi;
* Direct democracy - referendums on "important issues";
* The abolition of any government institutions based on ethnicity;

The party also has a relatively strong position on social matters, and supports:
* "Fathers' rights";
* "Fathers Back in Families";
* Gender equality;
* Child support and benefits reform
* Replacing the Family Court with mediation
* Establishing a Men's Ministry

The party has recently stated its opposition to Sue Bradford's members' bill to repeal section 59 of the Crimes Act. [ [http://republicans.org.nz/?p=93 Source] ]

Leadership

The party's leader is Kerry Bevin. Bevin is a New Zealand Men's movement activist. The party was officially registered on 15 July 2005.

Election results

In the 2005 elections, the party won 344 votes or 0.02%cite web|url=http://2005.electionresults.govt.nz/partystatus.html|title=Official Count Results -- Overall Status|publisher=Electoral Commission|date=2008-01-18] , well below the 5% threshold required to enter parliament without an electorate seat (which they did not win). This was the lowest amount of votes won by a registered party at that election. The NZRP candidate in the Maungakiekie electorate, Bevan Berg, received the second fewest votes for any candidate in New Zealand [cite web|url=http://www.tewahanui.info/pdfs/10/twn10pg01.pdf|publisher=Te Waha Nui|title=Close, but no Cigar|date=23 September 2005|accessdate=2008-01-18] cite web|url=http://2005.electionresults.govt.nz/electorate-26.html|title=Election Results - Maungakiekie|publisher=Electoral Commission|date=2008-01-18] .

Party officials

* Chairman: Dave Llewell
* Party secretary: Richard Nightingale

ee also

* Republicanism in New Zealand

External links

* [http://www.republicans.org.nz/ Official website]
* [http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/1/story.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10339555 Small parties battle election arithmetic]

References