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Voting Begins In New Zealand Flag Referendum
I'm not a Kiwi, but I really like the new flag design in the above pic.03 March 2016
The design being pitted against the current Union Jack-dominated flag
New Zealanders have begun voting on whether to change their national flag, with opinion polls suggesting most want to maintain the status quo. The current flag, which has served the country of 4.7 million people for 112 years, features the British Union Jack. A challenger was selected late last year in the first round of voting - a blue, black and white flag. The design, by architectural designer Kyle Lockwood, also features four red stars representing the Southern Cross, with a fern replacing the Union Jack.
Some of those in favour of the change have said the current flag binds the country to its colonial past. Even worse, in the eyes of some New Zealanders, is the fact that it is regularly confused with the Australian flag. The Returned and Services Association, which represents military veterans, says a change would dishonour the memory of those who fought for their country. When a New Zealand current affairs television programme ran a survey on the issue last year, 84% said a new flag was not needed. The referendum, held by postal ballot, will take place over the next three weeks, with preliminary results to be announced on 24 March.
