Opinion on whether New Zealand should become a republic is fairly evenly split in a poll released on Monday -- timed to coincide with British Queen Elizabeth's 82nd birthday.
The Republican Movement commissioned poll found 41 percent of those surveyed wanted New Zealand to become a republic, and did not want Prince Charles to become New Zealand's head of state when the Queen's reign ended, the New Zealand Press Association reported.
However, 43 percent continued to support the status quo, with 15 percent stating they do not know either way.
Republican Movement chairman Lewis Holden said the poll showed a shift toward change.
"These results shows the importance of addressing the growing public mood for change. A large number of voting New Zealanders --about 1.4 million -- want our country to become a republic either now or when the Queen's reign ends," he said.
The poll followed a March Colmar-Brunton poll which put support for "the Queen as head of state" at 66 percent.
Holden said that poll showed significant good feeling toward the Queen.
The phone poll of 964 voting-age New Zealanders was conducted between March 31 -- April 14.
It had a margin of error of 3.3 percent and was commissioned by the Republican Movement and undertaken by Curia Market Research Limited.
Source:Xinhua
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