Wellington, Jan 18 NZPA - Prince William expressed concern for the people of quake-devastated Haiti during his Supreme Court opening address today but avoided the issue of republicanism.

The prince was performing his first official duty on behalf of the Queen by opening the New Zealand's highest court in Wellington today, and some media had speculated that he would use the occasion to say the British royal family would serve New Zealand as long as wanted.

Supporters of the republican movement staged a protest outside the court, saying New Zealanders were capable of choosing their own head of state.

The Supreme Court replaces the London-based Privy Council.

Prince William said he was "extraordinarily happy" to be back in this "distinctive, refreshing and confident nation".

He last visited New Zealand in 2005 for the British and Irish Lions rugby tour.

Prince William said New Zealanders shared many values with Britain and respected democracy and the rule of law.

"New Zealand's values are ones that I greatly admire. They have deep roots in our heritage and constitutional history."

The relationship between Maori and the Crown also added a unique dimension and the opening of the Supreme Court was a milestone in the country's constitutional history, he said.

The new court, diagonally opposite Parliament, consists of two connected buildings -- the 1881 High Court and the new, modern interpretation of it.

"Old and new are a fitting and worthy home for the highest Court in New Zealand," Prince William said.

"This (court) room has an extraordinary feel to it -- as if we are actually inside the cone of the kauri.

"I understand that when the kauri cone matures, its winged seeds are dispersed by the wind. In the same way, let this court dispense justice to all parts of the nation," he said.

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