Monarchy begins at home

What we are witnessing in Tainui is a classic conflict between a privileged, hierarchical leadership that appears to resent being called to account – that much was obvious from the King’s abusive language last weekend – and a democratically elected representative body which, while still respectful toward the hereditary leadership, wants some answers. A bit like the old Tonga, really.

Thus speaks Karl du Fresne. We Republicans of New Zealand should remember that we not only have a Queen across the water but also a monarch in our midsts.

Here is an entirely unrelated but very funny promo from Yo La Tengo: