[kall]

New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark met Prince Charles yesterday, and shortly afterward repeated her belief that her country would one day become a republic.

Ms Clark said the changes were unlikely to be made any time soon, but it was inevitable that New Zealand would have its own head of state rather than the British monarch.

"At some point, this country – 12,000 miles (19,300km) away – will seek its own destiny," she said in an interview with the BBC. "I can see a future where New Zealand will select its own head of state. But I don't see it any time soon."

The PM met the Prince at Government House in the capital, Wellington, where he took part in a traditional welcome ceremony with Maori dignitaries.