and Tokelau. This would not be a legal hurdle to a New Zealand republic, and both the Cook Islands and Niue would retain their status as associated states with New Zealand, as New Zealand shares its head of state with the Cook Islands and Niue in the same way the United Kingdom shares its head of state with the other Commonwealth realms. Commonwealth membership If New Zealand became a republic its membership of the Commonwealth of Nations would be unaffected. Since the creation of the modern Commonwealth in 1949, republics are able to be members of the Commonwealth, recognising the King as Head of the Commonwealth. Following the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting 2007, the Kampala Communiqué stated "Heads of Government also agreed that, where an existing member changes its formal constitutional status, it should not have to reapply for Commonwealth membership provided that it continues to meet all the criteria for membership." See also Constitution of New Zealand Independence of New Zealand New Zealand flag debate, a related issue Lobby groups New Zealand Republic Monarchy New Zealand Former political parties New Zealand Republican Party (1967) New Zealand Republican Party (1995) The Republic of New Zealand Party Similar republican debates Republicanism in Australia Republicanism in Barbados Republicanism in Canada Republicanism in Jamaica Republicanism in the United Kingdom References Citations Bibliography External links Res Publica : New Zealand international anti-monarchy Web directory Monarchy New Zealand New Zealand Republic Constitution of New Zealand Political movements in New Zealand New Zealand