Prince William to face protesters pushing for a republic

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Prince william will face protesters, including MPs, when he opens the Supreme Court building in Wellington on Monday.

Labour MP Clare Curran and Green MP Keith Locke will stand with republican advocates when a banner is unfurled saying: "It's Time For A Republic."

"Really, I think he [Prince William] is sort of irrelevant to New Zealand so we don't really have a thing against him, as such," Republican Movement president Lewis Holden said. "We've told our supporters that this is all about a peaceful, positive protest. It's just us exercising our democratic rights."

Prince William lands in Auckland tomorrow before flying to Wellington on Monday.

After laying a wreath at the National War Memorial, he will officially open the Supreme Court at 10.30am.

As well as the republican protest, the prince will face Justice Ministry staff agitating for a pay settlement.

Ms Curran said it was ironic that a member of the monarchy was opening the Supreme Court, because it replaced the Privy Council, which was a bastion of the British justice system.

Mr Locke, who has a private member's bill for a referendum on the question of a republic, will also attend the protest. There was a significant body of opinion in support of a republic, he said.

However, the protest was not against Willliam.

Mr Holden said it would not target the prince.

"We're not saying `go home', we're just putting out a positive message which is, `it's time for a republic'."

A police spokesman referred queries about William's security to Wellington district commander Inspector Peter Cowan, who could not be reached for comment.

Prince William's agenda for his New Zealand visit

TOMORROW

11am: Welcome by Governor-General Sir Anand Satyanand, Prime Minister John Key and his wife, Bronagh, in Auckland.

3pm: Eden Park to view developments for Rugby World Cup 2011.

4.30pm: Viaduct Harbour and sail on NZL40.

7.15pm: Hangi at Government House.

MONDAY

9.50am: Wreathlaying at National War Memorial, Buckle St, Wellington.

10.30: Opens Supreme Court building, followed by walkabout in Whitmore St.

7.30pm: Premier House barbecue with Mr and Mrs Key.

TUESDAY

9am: Visit Wellington Children's Hospital.

10.20am: Departs from Wellington's Military Terminal.

- © Fairfax NZ News