The recent guest post on Kiwiblog argues that China’s actions in the Pacific reinforce the need for New Zealand to remain a constitutional monarchy to ensure defence support from the UK and its allies. While security concerns in our region are real, linking them to the monarchy oversimplifies how modern defence relationships work and misunderstands how the British monarchy functions.
Defence Commitments Are Based on Interests, Not the Monarchy
The idea that the UK would only come to New Zealand’s defence because we share a monarch doesn’t align with how international security works today. Defence commitments are based on treaties, strategic interests, and diplomatic relationships—not shared symbolic ties.
While King Charles might hold some symbolic roles in New Zealand’s military (roles that should be held by NZ citizens), the crucial Commander-in-Chief role is held by the Governor-General. Why? because it would be nonsense for the King in London to have ultimately signing duties for deploying New Zealand’s armed forces - that is left to the Governor-General in Wellington.
New Zealand’s security is shaped by agreements such as:
The Five Eyes alliance with Australia, Canada, the UK, and the US, which focuses on intelligence sharing.
The ANZUS Treaty, which, while weakened, still reflects historical security cooperation and anchors our main alliance with Australia.
New Zealand’s active role in regional security efforts, including peacekeeping through the UN and diplomatic engagement in the Pacific.
None of these agreements depend on the monarchy. The UK and other allies would act based on their strategic interests, just as they do with republics like India, Ireland, or Fiji.
A Republic Would Strengthen, Not Weaken, New Zealand’s Sovereignty
New Zealand becoming a republic would not harm our international relationships or defence arrangements. Instead, it would mean we have a New Zealander as our head of state—someone chosen to represent our country, rather than inheriting the role through birthright in the UK. This would reinforce our national identity and independence while maintaining strong ties with the Commonwealth, as countries like Singapore and India have done without abandoning their security relationships.
Conclusion
China’s actions in the Pacific are an important issue, but they do not justify keeping an outdated constitutional arrangement. New Zealand’s security depends on smart diplomacy, regional partnerships, and defence agreements—not a hereditary monarchy on the other side of the world. Moving to a republic would reflect our sovereignty and modern identity without undermining our alliances or national security.