New Zealand’s Maori Party calls for Queen to be removed as head of state – Telegraph.co.uk

New Zealands Mori Party has called for the Queen to be dropped as the countrys head of state, on the day she marked 70 years since her ascension to the throne.

Mori Party co-leader Debbie Ngarewa-Packer called for a divorce from the British Monarchy on Sunday in a statement made as part of New Zealands Waitangi Day commemorations.

The day marks the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi, between Mori chiefs and the British Crown on 6 February 1840.

Ms Ngarewa-Packer said New Zealand should undergo constitutional transformation that restores sovereignty to the tangata whenua, or First Nations.

The only way this nation can work is when Mori assert their rights to self-management, self-determination, and self-governance over all our domains, she said.

The party meanwhile criticised prime minister Jacinda Ardern for her statement in praise of Queen Elizabeth II.

Since the Queen took the throne as a young woman of 25, she has dedicated her life to service. We thank her for her dedication and inspiration, said Ms Ardern.

As Queen of New Zealand, she has always shown a deep personal interest in the life and wellbeing of our nation. On behalf of all New Zealanders I would like to wish her well for this historic year.

The Mori Party said it was an incredibly insensitive move".

A 21-gun salute will be fired in Wellington on Monday to celebrate the anniversary of the Queens accession.

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New Zealand's Maori Party calls for Queen to be removed as head of state - Telegraph.co.uk