New Zealanders have final say on national flag
Deputy Prime MinisterNew Zealanders will have their say in choosing the New Zealand flag after legislation enabling two postal referendums was endorsed by Parliament, Deputy Prime Minister Bill English says.
“The passing of the New Zealand Flag Referendums Bill, with the support of four Parliamentary parties, will secure New Zealanders their first opportunity ever to vote on the flag that best represents them and our country,” Mr English said.
The first postal referendum is planned to take place between 20 November and 11 December and will empower voters with the opportunity to rank four alternative designs.
The most-preferred design from that first referendum will then go to a second binding referendum in March, where voters will democratically choose between the status quo and the most preferred alternative flag.
Public discussion on the merits of the flags on the longlist is welcome and appears to be vigorous.
The Electoral Commission is well-advanced in its preparations for the referendums, Mr English said.
Note: The New Zealand Flag Referendums Bill establishes the process for two referendums on the New Zealand flag, including the rules for their conduct, the rules for voters and advertisers and the process for the implementation of a new flag in the event voters decide to change the flag.