Time to change the flag. To what?

FAIRFAX NZ

Prime minister John Key has expressed his preference to change the NZ flag to the silver fern.

Prime Minister John Key has floated the possibility of having a referendum to change New Zealand's flag.

He has confirmed the Government was considering putting the issue to the vote, and would discuss with Cabinet the possibility of holding a referendum.

While technically it was as simple as changing the legislation governing the flag, Key believed it should be voted on by New Zealanders.

"It's constitutional in my view, and constitutional matters have to be taken to the people," he said.

"So in principle, it'd have to be part of a referendum just like it was for MMP.

"Probably what we'll do is have a discussion with our senior ministers and say is there any appetite to progress that. If the answer is 'no' at this point then we'll park it up."

The prime minister said the public was "50/50" on the idea of a new flag.

"And I think it depends when you do it. If you asked the question right after the [rugby] World Cup, it might have been closer to 60/40 in favour."

Follow this link:
Time to change the flag. To what?