GUEST BLOG: Bryan Bruce – So, it’s Queen’s Birthday weekend.

So, it’s Queen’s Birthday weekend.

Except… it’s not her birthday.

She was actually born on April 21st 1926.

Moving the reigning monach’s birthday celebration to another day began with George II back in 1748 who was born in November and thought it was too cold in his kingdom to party outdoors that time of year.

So that’s why the Queen’s official birthday bash is usually held on a Saturday in June when it’s warmer in the UK.

Except… it’s colder in New Zealand

This year it’s officially June 13th.

Except… not in New Zealand which is also known as Aotearoa

Except… you won’t find our country called Aotearoa in our Constitution Act (1986) despite the fact that te reo Māori is one of our official languages.

We have a Constitution?

Yes we do.

Except… it’s not a written one like in the USA.

Ours sets out a framework of governance in a law, because it arguably makes it easier to change all our other laws to match our beliefs about what’s right and wrong as they change over time.

Except.. some people say this is not a good idea.

Be that as it may, Queen Elizabet II is our current Head Of State.

Except…she was 95 last April and she did once she was going to step down when she reached that age and hand over to Charles.

Except.. she’s changed her mind.

Some say that when her reign is over we should become a Republic.

Except… if the Crown no longer existed how would that affect Treaty rights?

Mmm…

.. maybe that’s why the British sing “God Save the Queen!” so loudly at official events.
Except….which god are they talking about ….given the UK is now a multi-cultural country in which thhey majoroity say they no longer believe in the existence of the omnipresent ,omniscient, punishing ( yet loving ) masculine God of the Bible?

Oh…. but what the hey …

It’s a holiday!

Enjoy! Relax !

Except… of course if you are working.

Like me.

PS. Rose says she’s overwhelmed by the nice things people said about her yesterday and to thank you. She says she is open to becoming the Head of State if Queen Elizabeth II decides to step down, as long as she doesn’t have to move to Wellington. (Um…She’s also a bit worried about the guy she picked to live with who seems to think she’s talking to him 🙂)

Bryan Bruce is one of NZs most respected documentary makers and public intellectuals who has tirelessly exposed NZs neoliberal economic settings as the main cause for social issues.