Wellington - New Zealand Prime Minister John Key rejected Monday a call by one of his government ministers for a referendum on ditching Queen Elizabeth as head of state and turning the country into a republic.

"My view is that New Zealand is likely one day to become a republic, but it's unlikely to occur under my watch," Key, whose conservative National Party was elected in November for a three-year term, told a news conference.

He said the country faced a number of challenges ahead "and becoming a republic is just not a high priority for me."

Queen Elizabeth remains titular head of state of New Zealand, a former British colony which has been fully independent since 1947, but has no governing powers.

Peter Dunne, leader of the United Future party who is minister of revenue, was quoted by the New Zealand Herald as calling for a referendum on whether New Zealand should have its own head of state.

"I am tired of politicians who say it is probably inevitable that we will become a republic at some stage but who are unwilling to do anything to bring it about - that is extremely weak," he said.

Two recent opinion polls found the country divided on the issue, with a narrow majority favouring keeping Queen Elizabeth as head of state. (dpa)