Bolger

Introduction
The idea of a New Zealand Republic is something that has been debated ever since the creation of New Zealand in 1840 after the Treaty of Waitangi. It seems like an outlandish idea today, however in 1994 Prime Minister Jim Bolger seriously suggested the idea after the Republican Coalition of New Zealand (RCNZ) was formed. It's possible Jim Bolger and the National Party could've joined forces with the RCNZ during the 1996 election and New Zealand could've become a Republic by 2001. However Bolgers approval ratings were no where near what they needed to be if National was to remain strong.

Point of Divergence
In 1991 Jim Bolger rejects the Mother of all Budgets. This is a popular move however it leads to the resignation of Finance Minister Ruth Richardson, In rejecting the Mother of all budgets the wellfare state set up by the First Labour Government stays in place and the National Government boosts in the Polls. By 19