The Republic of New Zealand Party

The Republicans

to represent the people and guide the state,
not represent the state and guile the people.

Welcome to the Republic of NZ Party Website.

We are the only party that will bring NZ the new start it needs.

MONTHLY CHAIRMANS REPORT [Dave Llewell]

Hello to every one out there in the future republic of New Zealand.

Is the New Zealand public ready for political change?

Without doubt people are crying out for it.  There are protests in the streets, not only in Auckland and Wellington, but in the smaller centres also.  800 turning out in Tauranga this week, to protest the EFA. 

It is with some excitement and anticipation that I write this report.  The election is now one month closer, and in my calculation no mater what date Ms Clark decides to appoint Election Day, it will be less than 6 months away.  Those that want to see the real change that our New Start - 5 Ways Forward campaign can bring about, need their noses to the grindstone now, as this time will pass very quickly.
 
So just what are we The Republic Party of New Zealand doing?

• May is membership month, and we are in full swing to capture the politically inclined for our campaign. 
• Next weekend we go into our final policy refinement meeting to prepare for policy ratification at our National Conference.
• Queens Birthday Weekend we will hold our National Conference in Hastings and our final Election Caucus Campaign Strategy Meeting.

Then my friends it will be a full on drive into the Election Campaign.  Remember we still have vacancies in electorates so if you think you have got what it takes to be a Republic of NZ Party candidate, contact us as soon as possible. 

We have our goal and it is to have Republic of New Zealand Party MP’s in the House of Representatives, from this Election.  Why is this so important? 

• We are the party that will drive our country through political Stagnation and onto true independence. 
• We are the party that will bring back social stability with 5 Ways Forward.

We will only achieve this by keeping in mind that….

 “Obstacles are something we see only when we take our eyes of the prize”.

This is a fight for what is right, and for what we believe in. We can not let any thing distract us from our aim.

I look forward to seeing you all in Hastings for the conference.

Regards Dave Llewell.

The Republicans

to represent the people and guide the state,
not represent the state and guile the people.

Welcome to the Republic of NZ Party Website.

We are the only party that will bring NZ the new start it needs.

MONTHLY CHAIRMANS REPORT [Dave Llewell]

Hello to every one out there in the future republic of New Zealand.

People are learning about the Party and showing intense curiosity in the details of our 5 Ways Forward.

If you are a Mt Albert voter out doing your shopping and you spot a grey and black rosette, stop and have a chat, it will probably be me.  It is amazing what you find out when you are out there chatting to the people in your electorate.

The response so far has been overwhelming, and from the sentiments that have been expressed to me while I have been out amongst the shoppers, Auntie Helen is in a lot more trouble than she realizes.  The electorate has questions for her and she is no where to be found.

Our message is the most important political message to ever hit New Zealand. Our public is looking for change. Our citizens want a common identity.  I am referring to real change where the very structure of government will change, where the general public will have the chance to have their say in important legislation.

We will arrest the mass migration of workers across the Tasman.  People will no longer need to leave our country for a better life.

Our present government is turning a blind eye to across the board sky-rocketing prices.  The taxman will have to find those mythical bleeding stones, how much more can Clark and Cullen take from the average family. 

There are MP’s in the House at the moment who won’t or can’t admit their true feeling on climate change. It is so obvious that they do not agree with their party policy, and some of the detrimental policies our country is subscribing to.  

Meanwhile the Leader of our Ruling Party is off to do deeds with the dictatorship in Beijing, while turning a blind eye to that same government’s brutal suppression of the Tibetans. Our Foreign Minister was happy to stop Fijian teams playing sport in NZ, but does not engage the Chinese Regime.

New Zealand needs a solid government in power that is concerned for our country and our people. The only party that is committed to these practical ideals is the Republic of New Zealand Party.

The next major event for the Republicans will be our Annual Conference.  This year we will be descending of the Hawkes Bay for Constitution Weekend (Queens Birthday Weekend, 31st May – 2nd June).

New Zealand needs a New Start lets, get on with it and make this the best little Republic in the world.

Regards Dave Llewell.

The Republicans

to represent the people and guide the state,
not represent the state and guile the people.

Welcome to the Republic of NZ Party Website.

We are the only party that will bring NZ the new start it needs.

MONTHLY CHAIRMANS REPORT [Dave Llewell]

Hello to every one out there in the future republic of New Zealand.

 Over the last month we have been out on the hustings, taking the message to many more voters who are showing real interest.

Look out Helen; we are here to stay, and to help you descend even further in the polls.

Our campaign is in full swing. People in the streets like the message that we are promoting. They, the real NZers see there is a party that not only advocates change but can bring real change.

Some of the recent highlights.

Our Party Leader Kerry Bevin is not standing for East Coast Bays, but will instead contest Auckland Central. Look out Judith ‘the invisible’ Tizard.  Kerry Bevin will certainly not be lost in the shadows. He is already making his presence felt on the streets of central Auckland and with the support of his colleagues; Kerry will launch his campaign, at Western Springs Pasifika Weekend, this Saturday 8th March.

The real people, family people in Auckland Central, are asking why the Labour Party has changed. Why are they pushing and passing bills that are not even remotely supported by the general public. Labour was once considered the family and the working man’s Party? What have you done Helen? What has happened?

We, the Republicans are proud to say the second plank in our 5 Ways Forward Platform is Direct Democracy, and the third is the Family Restored. We will never pass legislation without consideration for public opinion. In fact, binding referendum will be an important part of our legislative process.

Good reports are coming in from up and down the country as we continue to grow and spread to more electorates.  Our aim is still to file a full card for the election.  
 
Saturday 23rd of February was the official launch of my candidacy for Mt Albert. The weather gods got a little excited on the day, and did that dampen the enthusiasm of the Republicans? Not at all! Both candidates and supporters seemed not to notice the adverse conditions. Disillusion with the present government was evident. We started with a visit to Helen’s place.  Saturday morning and the PM’s electorate office was a shut shop.  The neighbouring window had been smashed with a rock being thrown through it, which we assume was intended, once again for Helen’s office. 
 
Speakers following my opening speech were Wayne Hawkins, Kerry Bevin, Jack Gielen and Bevan Berg.  Watch out for the Republicans first You Tube production.

There was even comment from the public as we moved through the local shops that working in weather such as it was is proof of our conviction. This conviction will, I assure you, carry us on past this campaign and serve us well during the years ahead in the House of Representatives.

Thanks to those who joined us at the official launch of Hans Laven, in the Tauranga, electorate last weekend Saturday 1st March.   Congratulations Hans, another successful launch and a great public response.  Hans has a great opportunity here against Winston, who the electorate doesn’t want, and Clarkson who doesn’t want to return to parliament.   

For us to achieve exactly what we are striving for we must get out there and do it ourselves to the best of our individual ability. To leave it all to others will get us what we deserve, more of the same.
 
We are the only party that can bring real change, it is election year, get involved and be part of the change.  It has to be done. 

Regards Dave Llewell.

The Republicans

to represent the people and guide the state,
not represent the state and guile the people.

Welcome to the Republic of NZ Party Website.

We are the only party that will bring NZ the new start it needs.

MONTHLY CHAIRMANS REPORT [Dave Llewell]

Hello to every one out there in the future republic of New Zealand.

Republican Things Are Happening!

As the first month of 2008 passes by it is time for the first Chairman’s report of our recently imposed regulated period.

It appears that the idea of New Zealand as a republic is on the mind of many NZers. People I am talking to on the streets have an opinion about this issue.  They understand that in a democratic society a constitution limits the powers and excesses of government,  something we have recently seen cannot be done in this country.  We can only vote for the party that we will give those powers and excesses to, and here ends democracy in this country. Both present and ex- Prime Ministers Helen Clark, Mike Moore and Jim Bolger have made comment on this future direction. 

The difference is we are doing something about it.  We are out on the streets bringing this platform to the electorate.

The Electoral Finance Act still is a hot potato with many. Some call it the ‘Kill Freedom of Speech’ Act.  It is incumbent for us as republicans to continue to be motivated on this issue because it is a constitutional matter. Get out there and get the public behind us. Show the public there is a party that has their concerns and the welfare of democracy foremost in their minds.

Yes, we have lost Jim Bagnall.  A fallen soldier, lost to the Electoral Finance Bill.  Jim has decided to dedicate his twilight years to a third party campaign against this bill independent of the Republicans, and we wish him good luck along with all those who are campaigning against this atrocious act. 

I had the privilege of joining forces with Kerry Bevin (Party Leader), now our Candidate for Auckland Central along with the party faithful in an introductory tour of the electorate centres. 

It is always good to get that on the ground feedback.  People are concerned about the excesses of state that we are seeing from this labour led government.  Concern has been expressed to me about the Government appointing officers to assess children at a young age in schools or early learning centres to ascertain what sort of person they may turn out to be.  That’s sounding a little too much like the old USSR. Kiwis are losing the right to raise their own offspring their way, and we are seeing the consequences of that every day.

Helen C and John K both launch their campaigns this week. We await their solutions with interest and I look forward to Kerry Bevin’s Reply. 

Our Hamilton representative is on the move.  Jack has put a lot of effort in Hamilton, and stood in Hamilton West at the last election.  The republican support however is much greater in Hamilton East so Jack has made the move to stand in Hamilton East for this Election.   Jack needs support down there and it would be great to see an eager republican pick up from Jacks efforts in the West electorate.  Jack’s work in suicide prevention is well known.  Our suicide rate is abysmal, and it is a reflection of state policy that this government must be held to account for.

Prices are rising, especially for food and this is frightening many people on already tight budgets.  So is the level of crime and violence. The numbers of those leaving for foreign shores continues to rise. The Kiwi dream of owning your own home is becoming a distant memory.

Will things improve under a National Government? I have grave doubts on that one. Would our children’s education be assured or would only those that could afford to attend a privatized schooling system achieve academic success? To force some children to stay longer in the school system may only achieve disruption to others trying hard, striving for higher academic goals. Trade training needs to be done properly by the appropriate experienced persons. Many schemes in the past have trained but have failed to find their graduates employment after completion.  To arrest the problems that plague New Zealand families we need to have Republicans in the House of Representatives.

We have that chance this year, support your candidate, and vote Wise – vote Republican.

Regards Dave Llewell.

The Republicans to represent the people and guide the state,
not represent the state and guile the people.

Welcome to the Republic of NZ Party Website.

We are the only party that will bring NZ the new start it needs.

MONTHLY CHAIRMANS REPORT [Dave Llewell]

Hello to every one out there in the future republic of New Zealand.

On the eve of 2008, we may reflect on the term of a gimcrack coalition, whose political arrogance has descended to legislating re-election, while creating political uncertainty. I am hoping that my New Years message will reach out to all those people who want a better New Zealand. 

We must ask ourselves why so many good Kiwis are leaving our country.
               
More Kiwis’s are working and living in Australia than ever before.  One of the major factors driving this exodus is wage disparity. Workers are jumping the ditch to earn a reasonable living. Anywhere you care to work in Australia, which ever state you pick, the wages are better. The average wage per week for our Aussie neighbours ranges from NZ$1025 in Tasmania, to NZ$1248 in Western Australia. The average New Zealand wage at $906 per week is $119 behind Australia’s lowest wage.                               
We all know how vital it is to retain our professionals, but who can blame doctors for taking the leap across the Tasman when the increase in their remuneration can be up to 75 per cent.  English Doctors are not so keen to take up the offer to come here, and why should they when you compare the Aussie carrot.

This government says things are great, we have near full employment. Of course we do and all those that have vacated our shores have placed massive demands on employers to fill vacancies in the work place. We have a mass exodus of professionals and skilled workers affecting all levels of the NZ workforce. This trend must be arrested, not some time latter, but now.

Tax cuts are no longer a sore point; they have become a festering wound.  Let’s not forget the previously promised tax cuts that never arrived, and with bracket creep a tax cut is a tax cut, “yeah right” as a Kiwi worker would say. 

NZers expecting tax cuts will again be disappointed. They will not get tax cuts, but tax re-allocation.  A.C.C. levies have increased and vehicle registration costs have been hiked 25%. 

The centre piece of this collation is Clark and Cullen, so far removed from the roots of their Labour party they should be renamed the CC’s Party.  With government being the biggest growth industry in the country its obvious who is having the party and who is paying for the chips and dip.

Who wouldn’t at this point predict a National Party victory in the next election when all they have to do is try not to loose.  The question I am asking is who is going to fill those opposition benches. The very people who have put at risk democracy unity and the rule of law.  We hope not.   

A strong economy is a foundation in any political strategy but economic stability alone does not secure our future economic success, neither does the constant inflationary battle and excessive interest rates.  

To be a leading country in the future we must not abandon the ethics and skills of our past.  They are this country’s apprenticeship to the challenges of the future.  If we are to guarantee our next generation full employment and our country a place in the global economy, then we must answer the challenge of our failing education system, and our loss of family.  We are not alone in realising this.  Britain also has identified the need to strengthen the family and to protect our young people’s right to education.
It is up to all of us to provide the environment for our children to succeed in. 

There has never been a better time for the Republicans to bring their brand of politics to the electorate, to bring a serious challenge for real change.  I believe our 008 campaign  (5 Ways Forward) will breathe new life into our political machine, and help restore confidence in our political system.  This will not be without hard work and determined effort.  I urge all Republicans to make 2008 a political year and help put the first Republicans into parliament.

I wish all New Zealanders a happy and safe New Year, with a special thought to all whose service and sacrifice is essential but seldom recognised. I look forward to meeting many of you in what looks set to be a very messy election year. 

Regards Dave Llewell

The Republicans to represent the people and guide the state,
not represent the state and guile the people.

Welcome to the Republic of NZ Party Website.

We are the only party that will bring NZ the new start it needs.

MONTHLY CHAIRMANS REPORT [Dave Llewell]

Hello to every one out there in the future republic of New Zealand.

Already it is less than one month until Christmas, and politics seems to be centre stage around the country rather than the festive season.  November was a busy month for the Republicans, and it doesn’t look like slowing down for December with controversial bills being forced upon a much more informed public.  The latest catrosphy is this Electoral Finance Bill. 

The people of Taupo now know there is a very serious Republicans Party ready to contest next year’s general election.   Our candidates, accompanied by our campaign bus, walked the city streets discussing politics with the locals and tourists.  

Our Tauhara retreat served us well. Candidates were confirmed and the party list was determined by democratic vote.   The Republic of New Zealand Party welcomed on board our newest candidate, Hans Laven for Tauranga, during this weekend. 
 
Hans was brought up in Tauranga and is looking forward to the challenge of taking on Winston Peters. If of course Winston is brave enough to contest the seat again, especially after the drubbing Tauranga gave him at the last election.
 
Yours truly, (Dave Llewell) relinquished the New Lynn Candidacy to take up the Mt Albert Candidacy, this being the electorate I live in.  Helen Clark holds this seat for now, but not for much longer.  She will be a name on Labours list after this campaign.    
 
Many thanks to the Rotorua Branch for their work on the draft copy of the party pledge which was presented at Tauhara and goes through to the policy committee for consideration on 2nd December.

A special thanks also to the constitution committee especially to Wayne Hawkins & Jim Bagnall for their dedication to such a big job.  

I see the party growing from strength to strength with more and more people showing interest.  Keep up the good work.
 
I received a phone call from across the ditch during the weekend from a good Kiwi bloke lost to Australia. There’s a lot of them there you know!  We need to find a way to attract them back.  This good kiwi bloke is concerned about the way Helen is hoodwinking this country of ours; enough that he felt it was time to contact our party. But he expressed, that he would be even more worried if National - with John Key at the helm were to take over from Labour after the election next year.
 
 How much does he care? Well he is coming back home to good old NZ at Christmas and wants to meet with us.  There are eyes on us overseas as well.  
 
As I mentioned above Christmas is just around the corner, and New Year will quickly come and go. Then, my friends, we will be staring down the barrel of the Election. I am lucky to have Jim Bagnall in my regional group and we will be working on the Mt Albert strategy over Xmas.

We believe there is no time to waste!
 
We must use this time of disruptive government to show the people of New Zealand that there is an alternative to Labour; and it is not their reflections, (National or the Greens), but The Republic of New Zealand Party.

Wishing you all the best for Christmas,

Regards Dave Llewell.

The Republicans to represent the people and guide the state,
not represent the state and guile the people.

Welcome to the Republic of NZ Party Website.

We are the only party that will bring NZ the new start it needs.

MONTHLY CHAIRMANS REPORT [Dave Llewell]

Hello to every one out there in the future republic of New Zealand.

First, an apology to the Republican Movement of Aotearoa New Zealand. I omitted to mention that the debate we attended [refer to last month’s report] was organized by Lewis Holden and his team. The Republic of New Zealand Party has no link with this group. We attended the debate purely out of interest in things republican.
 
Now on to things of importance to us all.  Jack Gielen and Paul Haynes both contested local body elections last month. Many people in Hamilton and Rotorua respectively, now know these hard-working guys, but most importantly the public of these constituencies realize that there is Republican - politicians who will go the extra mile for them and their townsfolk. I never thought I could or would get out and talk to the people on the street and press the flesh as they say, but being out there campaigning is something I am finding very enjoyable. 
 
The Republicans Tauhara Retreat is just around the corner. This will be a team building time for the Republicans, and a time for us to start gearing up for next year’s election.   
 
There are reports from many parts of New Zealand of keen interest in our progress. It was rewarding to have someone stop and chat to me in the supermarket recently after they had read our website.  It has not gone unnoticed how many times our media releases are mirrored by other political parties. These have to be a sure-fire signs that we are on the right track.
 
Auntie Helen is gearing up for the next round of merry-go-round Ministers.  Dosie Doe, pick your portfolio and around we go.  How many more will follow Mr Maharey, getting out while the going is good, while Dr Cullen is warming his nest egg, perhaps to hatch tax relief for election year. How many times can you buy an election?  Well Helen we know that you know about those Republicans.

Now we say “It is time to make way for those Republicans”

Regards Dave Llewell.

The Republicans  to represent the people and guide the state, 
                                   not represent the state and guile the people.  

Welcome to the Republic of NZ Party Website.

We are the only party that will bring NZ the new start it needs.

MONTHLY CHAIRMANS REPORT [Dave Llewell]

Hello to every one out there in the future republic of New Zealand.
                                                                          
My monthly review is a new feature on our website. The intention is to keep all informed of what has been happening over the last month, and what we can look forward to in the near future.

I feel a sense of momentum; The Republicans are really on the move.

We have now flown the flag in the Hawkes Bay.  Hastings and Napier would be well served by our candidates.  We have Karl Brett in Tukituki, who is our spokesperson on health, and Brett Docherty in Napier,  our spokesperson on Direct Democracy and Disability Issues.  With good local support behind these lads we are well set up to campaign in the Hawkes Bay for the 2008 general election.

Toward the end of September we made inroads into the Coromandel and Canterbury.  We let the Greens know we were on their tails with a visit to Thames. What a pleasant place this is, where locals were keen to hear what we had to say and to talk with us. Thames knows who we are now.  We welcome aboard Peter Burns from Christchurch and look forward to stamping our mark on more South Island Electorates with Peters Help.   

The Auckland University debating team, were well organised, using Dominion Day as a backdrop for a debate on the Republican/Monarchist issue.  It was a great debate and we were well received by the younger academic minds of our future New Zealand.

This weekend will be a big weekend in Hamilton and Rotorua for the Republicans, with both Jack Gielen and Paul Haynes standing for their respective Health Boards.  I am not sure if there have been Republican candidates in local body elections before, this could be a first.  

With October upon us we are drawing toward the end of our 007 Campaign.  This month I want to concentrate on Hamilton were we still have an electorate vacancy in Hamilton East.  If you are a Hamilton republican, don’t be shy about giving me a call.

Regards Dave Llewell.