It makes sense to base a democratically selected Head of State on the office of Governor-General. The infrastructure is in place and the constitional processes and conventions that define the role are there for us to build on.

As a nation we can keep what works about the role and then incrementally improve on any aspects things that do not reflect or benefit contemporary New Zealand.

One aspect that people like about the role is the simplicity inherent in selecting a worthy New Zealander free from the pretensions and hype of celebrity and fame. The people selected to be Governor-General have all been people who has proven themselves worthy of the honour. Not a single one of them has created a scandal or done anything to lessen the mana of the office.

In Britain, the role of Head of State is all too often mired in scandal and gossip. The sexual habits, political lobbying and marital ups and downs of the heirs to the throne and their associated family members consistently undermines the integrity of the role.

It is a disservice to New Zealand for us to be associated with Britian's troubled royal family. We do not need a famous Head of State or a playboy Prince. We have no need for aristocratic scandals and constitutional dilemmas. The role of Head of State here in New Zealand is not about massive wealth and celebrity. It should be about about representing ordinary every day New Zealanders and the way we live together as a nation.

Successive Governors-General have set a dignified example of how the role can be used to enhance the constitution and culture of Aotearoa New Zealand. It is time to make the final transition to having a democratically elected New Zealander as Head of State.