Prime Minister John Key says Prince Charles would make a great king.
Mr Key met Prince Charles for the first time in London on the eve of the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton in April.
While leader of the Opposition in 2008, Mr Key said it was inevitable New Zealand would one day become a republic and suggested a change in the British monarch could provide a catalyst.
But Mr Key now says he was "super impressed" with Prince Charles and he would make a great king.
"He was I thought very in touch with issues around the world, he was extremely personable."
Mr Key says there's automatic succession to Prince Charles at the point that the Queen passes away and "from that perspective we look forward to welcoming him to New Zealand at some point."
Labour Party leader Phil Goff says the monarchy is very popular at the moment.
But he says attitudes change over time, and one day New Zealanders will want a New Zealander as their head of state.
