republic. Bolger argued that New Zealand needed to focus more on the Asia–Pacific region, and noted that such a move would be part of a desire to be "independent New Zealanders". Bolger later argued that he did not believe the "Queen of England" should be New Zealand's head of state. Bolger's republicanism met little public enthusiasm. Unlike Australia, where republican sentiment has been relatively strong, there has been little agitation for a New Zealand republic. Neither National nor Labour, the two major political parties currently in parliament, have a stated policy of setting up a republic. Two special-interest groups represent different sides of the debate in New Zealand and argue the issue in the media from time to time: Monarchy New Zealand and New Zealand Republic. See also Constitution of New Zealand History of New Zealand References Footnotes Citations Bibliography External links New Zealand sovereignty: 1857, 1907, 1947, or 1987? , Research Report, Parliamentary Library, 28 August 2007. Politics of New Zealand Republicanism in New Zealand