Stuart Smith
National MP for Kaikoura
http://stuartsmith.national.org.nz/
This week we celebrate the coronation of His Majesty King Charles III. For many of us, this will be the only coronation we have experienced. As we celebrate the coronation of our new head of state it is timely to reflect on the history and values that have shaped our nation.
New Zealand has been moulded by the convergence of different cultures and traditions. Maori were the first settlers, followed centuries later by Europeans who established their own society. In the early days of the colony, leadership was based on tribal structures and social status. With the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi, we all became British subjects.
Over time we developed a meritocratic system where individuals rose to positions of leadership and influence based on their skills and capabilities, regardless of their background or social status. This has created a more equitable and inclusive society, where opportunities are available to all.
The British monarchy has played a significant role in the history of New Zealand. However, over time, New Zealand forged its own nation with the British monarch as its head of state. Today, the monarch has a ceremonial role, while matters of state are decided by a democratically elected parliament. While some may question the heredity principle on which the monarchy is founded, having a ceremonial head of state has many advantages in that it takes the politics out of the process and allows parliament to function as the lawmaker.
The British Commonwealth of Nations was established in 1926 through the Balfour Declaration and formalized by the United Kingdom by a Statute of Westminster in 1931. Queen Elizabeth II played a significant role in building links between Commonwealth countries by bringing people from many geographical regions, religions and cultures of the Commonwealth together. Today, the Commonwealth of Nations comprises 56 member countries, which contain one-third of the world’s population.
The new king promises to build on his mother’s legacy, which will be essential for the future of our Commonwealth. As a parliamentarian, I wholeheartedly support our constitutional arrangements. To depart from them would be a very large step and is a decision that should only be made by the citizens of New Zealand, not their elected representatives.
There are some who want to go back to a political structure based on the heredity principle in a misguided belief that it is somehow required to meet our obligations under the Treaty of Waitangi.
This is not only incorrect, it is also incredibly dangerous. If we could ask those who lived in 19th century New Zealand they would be horrified. To do so would be to go back to what would end up as a feudal society, where people would be judged by their family line, not the content of their character.
Living in a free and democratic society is a privilege that our forebears worked hard for, and we must honour them by protecting and building on their legacy.
Our equitable society, while not without issues, guarantees one person, one vote of equal value, which we risk at our peril.
Democracy is hard won and easily lost; together we can build on the legacy of our forebears.
Long Live the King!