"Better the devil you know" was the overwhelming opinion of readers who responded to yesterday's Teletopics poll on whether they supported the monarchy and whether New Zealand should become a republic.
The end result of the non-scientific poll was 80 Otago Daily Times readers saying they supported the monarchy and did not want New Zealand to become a republic and 18 saying New Zealand should become a republic.
Yesterday's Teletopics asked two questions "Do you support the monarchy?" and "Should New Zealand become a republic?"
Prince William's visit to New Zealand this week has provoked discussion on the topic, and Dunedin MP Clare Curran has been encouraging debate, taking to the streets of Wellington on Monday with other republicans to protest Prince William's visit.
Respondents' opposition to becoming a republic was vigorous.
Many said the Queen was a role model, that the monarchy was part of New Zealand's heritage and provided stability.
Several respondents said there was no-one "decent enough" to be president and they did not want to pay a president's wages, or for another election campaign.
There were concerns a republic would threaten democracy, and some thought it was good to have a head of state removed from politics.
Others said the relevance of the monarchy was revealed by the thousands who flocked to see Prince William during his visit, with several respondents stating a preference for William, over his father Charles, as the next king.
Those in favour of dropping the monarchy said they felt the monarchy did little for New Zealand and that it was time to move into the modern age and stop letting people get ahead because they were privileged.
One respondent said becoming a republic would show New Zealand's independence.
"We need to focus on reality, rather than an unsettled past."
