Republicanism and the Treaty of Waitangi: Cutting the Colonial Ties that Bind?

In recent years, New Zealand has periodically engaged in debates about cutting colonial ties with Britain – in particular abolishing the right of appeal to the Privy Council, replacing the Queen as the head of state, and changing the national flag. Although the Treaty of Waitangi does not often feature in popular debate about these issues, it is an essential consideration. The Treaty first established the colonial link by allowing for the legitimate establishment of British government in New Zealand in 1840.