Support for the monarchy has surged in New Zealand following Britain’s royal wedding, according to a poll.

The poll of 750 New Zealanders by UMR Research found 74 per cent of respondents approved of the royal family, compared to 60 per cent in July 2002, when the question was last asked.

It showed support for a republic had slipped to 24 per cent from the 32 per cent recorded in 2005, with 58 per cent opposed to cutting ties with the British monarchy and 18 per cent unsure.

The poll, conducted this week, also found 52 per cent of New Zealanders did not expect the country to become a republic in the next 20 years, up from 29 per cent in 2005.

More than 50 per cent said they followed last Friday’s wedding of Prince William and his bride Kate closely, with interest strongest among women and the over-60s.

New Zealand, a former British colony, still recognises Queen Elizabeth II as the country’s head of state.

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