The leaders of National and Labour are on the same page on whether it's time for New Zealand to have a conversation about becoming a republic.
The death of Queen Elizabeth II has sparked discussions about whether New Zealand should have its own Head of State, which would come with significant constitutional changes for the country.
Prime Minister and Labour leader Jacinda Ardern, who is a self-professed republican, has repeatedly said throughout her tenure in the top job that she believes New Zealand will one day make the switch, but that it's not something she's likely to pursue as leader.
"I think there's been a debate probably for a number of years," Ardern said on Monday afternoon. "It's just the pace and how widely that debate is occurring."
"I've made my view plain many time. I do believe that is where New Zealand will head in time. I believe it's likely to occur in my lifetime, but I don't see it as a short-term measure or anything that is on the agenda anytime soon"
She said it's not something her Government will be discussing as the country faces many other challenges.
National leader Christopher Luxon had a similar response when questioned on Tuesday morning.
"I don't sense that there's a big conversation around that people are dissatisfied with our constitutional arrangements," he said.
"I go to two or three towns each and every week, and I speak to thousands of people at public meetings. It has never been raised with me as a leader at all over that period of time. I think the reality is people are quite satisfied with our constitutional arrangements now, as I am too."
He said he doesn't personally feel strongly "one way or another" and he is "comfortable" with current arrangements.
"I think at some point in my lifetime, there will be a conversation in New Zealand where there is a burning platform and people are ready for that conversation. I just sense that it's not now.
"I know it's a topic that we can get very caught up here in Wellington discussing, but out there across New Zealand at the moment, people are doing it tough. The cost of living, healthcare going backwards, education, achievement and attendance being poor. We've got a housing crisis unsolved. We've got rising levels of crime. Those are the issues that are of most concern to Kiwis."
Luxon said a conversation about changing the arrangements may come down the road, but not right now.
Both Ardern and Luxon's comments echo that of former Prime Minister Sir John Key. In 2014, he said it was inevitable New Zealand would become a republic, but that the popularity of younger royals - such as Prince William and Kate - meant it wouldn't happen soon.
A Newshub-Reid Research poll in February found nearly half of New Zealanders don't want to break away, while 36.4 percent think it's time to be a republic. The rest didn't know.
With the death of the Queen, King Charles immediately ascended to the throne. He was officially proclaimed New Zealand's Head of State at a ceremony at Parliament on Sunday attended by a number of figures, including the Prime Minister, Leader of the Opposition, Governor-General and the Chief Justice.
Parliamentarians on Tuesday will have the opportunity to speak in the House about the Queen's legacy and also about the future of the monarchy under King Charles.
