Essentially a republic

The Queen’s 70th jubilee year, with its associatedmedia flashbacks to the early 1950s, have highlighted that the Queen, the monarchy and all of us have changed greatly in the last 70 years.

Now, more than half the population believe the governorgeneral is our head of state, a belief no doubt accentuated by the governor-general, not the Queen, representing us internationally.

We have in fact slowly evolved into being a republic in all but name and have been functioning as such for at least 20 years, possibly more.

We have a method, proven over 55 years, of selecting a nationally respected person to act as governorgeneral and of replacing them at the end of their five-year term.

With the governor-general’s evolution into our de facto head of state, all we need do, according to constitutional lawyers, is a constitutional ‘‘nip and tuck’’ that formalises this situation and the transition to a republic is complete. It’s such a small change compared to now that most people won’t notice it.

As for a change of name, a new flag, awritten constitution, an upper house etc, they are not prerequisites for a republic. We are pragmatic people and can address those issues when and if they arise.

For now, let’s celebrate the jubilee, but as the celebrations end, in themonths, not years, ahead, let’s wish the Queen well, and go our own way.

Vince Dravitzki, Carterton

As a lifelong Manchester United fan, my eye was caught by your article headed BBC scores own goal for ‘rubbish’Man Utd remark