Supporters of a republic want more action from top

The Republican Movement has accused John Key of making excuses for not holding a referendum on New Zealand's constitutional future, but the Prime Minister says it is not a high priority for him.

United Future leader Peter Dunne wants a referendum and says he is tired of hearing people say the change is inevitable without doing anything to bring it about. Mr Key said there were many other issues the Government had to deal with.

"As I have always said in the past, one day it's likely New Zealand will become a republic, but I don't think anything is going to happen under my watch."

A move to a republic was "just not a high priority for me", he said.

He respected Mr Dunne's views on the issue, but did not share them.

The Republican Movement said Mr Key was sitting on the fence while Australia planned a referendum in 2010.

"The Prime Minister should not use the economic and social problems we face as an excuse to do nothing," movement chairman Lewis Holden said.

"The Republican Movement's poll last week found support for the monarchy versus a republic is very close - 45 per cent to 43 per cent."

- NZPA