Research reveals Kiwis over 60 support monarchy, while under-60s want a republic

Research reveals Kiwis over 60 support monarchy, while under-60s want a republic

A survey has revealed New Zealanders over the age of 60 have strong support of the monarchy, while those under 60 are more likely to support a republic.

The poll, run by Curia Market Research for New Zealand Republic, surveyed almost 1000 New Zealanders.

New Zealand Republic is a group campaigning for New Zealand independence.

Its main goal is to have a New Zealand citizen as the head of state, rather than the current King or Queen of England. 

The research showed 52 percent of over-61s want the system to remain the same - with the next British Monarch becoming New Zealand's new head of state. 

Just 37 percent of 18 to 30-year-olds think the system should stay as is, and 59 percent think a New Zealand head of state would be better. 

Split by political leaning, 62 percent of National voters support the next British Monarch becoming head of state, as compared to 18 percent of Green voters. 

Next in line for the British throne is Prince Charles - when asked if this would make them more likely to support a republic 13 percent said it would - but 77 percent said it would make no difference, with the remaining 10 percent saying it made them less likely to support it. 

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has said she expects New Zealand to become a republic in her lifetime - but has never sensed it as a topic of urgency from Kiwis.

"I've been very clear that despite being a republican, I'm not of the view that in the here-and-now in my term of office, that this is something New Zealanders feel particularly strongly about.

"I don't know that I've had one person actually raise with me generally day-to-day the issue of becoming a republic. This Government has prioritised those issues that we do see as a priority. But I do still think there will be a time and a place; I just don't see it as now."

Ardern said there are "a lot of issues that would need to be resolved in terms of our constitutional arrangements to be able to move to that place".