Colmar Brunton / One News have released a poll finding 33% of New Zealanders want a republic once the Queen dies, and 47% want to keep the monarchy, with the rest undecided.

This is a significant drop in support for the monarchy in Colmar Brunton’s polling - back in 2012, the same firm found 70% of NZers wanted to keep the monarchy.

The drop in support is fairly easily explained, the Queen is popular and public opinion is really focused on that, and has been for some time. As the end of the Queen’s reign approaches, it’s inevitable that support for the institution will drop. Colmar Brunton has traditionally been the highest polling survey for the monarchy. This drop is a major blow for the institution.