Opinion: The ties that bind

Hawke's Bay Today News Editor James Ford. Photo / File

Queen's Birthday weekend will be circled on most Kiwis' calendars as an opportunity to get away from the hustle and bustle of life.

A long weekend to catch up with friends and family, or just crash on the sofa with a box set.
It's a break my family in the UK envy.

Ironically, Queen's Birthday Weekend is not a public holiday in Old Blighty.

Although most are thankful for some down time, the holiday is still a perfect example of the ties that seemingly bind us to the United Kingdom.

It made me wonder how much longer the British monarch will be our head of state.
As a native Londoner I am 18343km from home, yet the coins in my pocket and notes in my wallet still feature Queen Elizabeth's face, just as they did in England.

We still refer to Crown land and hoist the New Zealand flag with the Union Jack at pride of place.

But why?

We're no longer a colony that lacks identity.

New Zealand is a proud country that boasts a mixture of cultures, while being the destination of thousands each year seeking to start a new life.

We had a chance for a fresh flag a year ago, but chose to keep what has been a symbol of our nation since 1869.

Granted, Britain played a huge role in New Zealand's history and the majority of European New Zealanders can trace their ancestry back to the British Isles. But it seems only natural for a nation to move forward and cut ties from its colonial past.

Having a strong relationship with Britain and the Commonwealth is what shaped New Zealand, but not what defines our country.

Who knows, maybe one day we will be circling New Zealand Republic Day on our calendars.