In an interview with British newspaper The Guardian, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has said she expects New Zealand will become a republic in her lifetime.
While she couldn't remember the last time a voter asked her about the matter, she told the paper it was highly likely.
"When I have been asked for an opinion, I think within my lifetime I think it is a likelihood we will transition. It is not something this Government is prioritising at all though," Ms Ardern said.
"The most important thing for New Zealand is we have a very special arrangement and relationship via our Treaty of Waitangi, and the relationship between Māori and the crown, so before any conversation like that occurs, that is something that will needed to be resolved within New Zealand."
The matter was a decision for the royal family to make, she said.
"No one really wants to discuss [succession] because of course we all treasure the leadership globally that is displayed by the Queen, but ultimately that is a decision for the royal family."
However the soon-to-be first-time mum said there was fondness for the members of the royal family when they visited New Zealand.
Newshub.
