No more excuses, it's time for New Zealand to become a republic.

That's the message former United Future leader Peter Dunne delivered in his valedictory speech.

He told Mike Hosking the next Governor General should be made the first president of a New Zealand Republic.

Mr Dunne believes that person could be determined by a public vote or parliament voting on a nomination.

He said the time to make the change is now.

"The face of New Zealand is changing, and I think the nature of our country and the opportunities that lie before it mean it's the right time and we should just get on and do it.

"I've heard the excuse, you know, 'not while the current Queen's alive', 'not while so-and-so is alive'.

"There'll always be an excuse for not doing it, and I don't think that's good enough. I think we should be able to grab the moment and shape our own destiny.

LISTEN ABOVE AS PETER DUNNE SPEAKS WITH MIKE HOSKING