Silver Fern chosen as alternative flag – voters will make history with final decision on nation’s flag next March

The Electoral Commission has declared that the Silver Fern (Black, White and Blue) flag by Kyle Lockwood has been chosen as the preferred alternative flag by voters in the first referendum.

The preferred alternative flag was determined by the preferential voting system in the binding postal referendum held between 20 November and 11 December where voters were asked, “If the New Zealand flag changes, which flag would you prefer?” Full results of the referendum can be found at www.elections.org.nz

Flag Consideration Panel chair, Professor John Burrows, said that the summer period would give New Zealanders time to consider the preferred alternative and the current flag. In continuation of the Panel’s communications role ahead of the next referendum, the Panel would make both flags available as physical flags for communities to fly across the country to help people consider the choice ahead.

“This is an important time in New Zealand’s history – it’s our chance to decide and seeing them fly together around the country will be important to many in the lead up to the second referendum, said Professor Burrows. Page 2 of 3

“Whether the flag changes or not is a very personal decision; it comes down to which flag represents you most as a Kiwi; as an individual and as part of a proud nation that regularly punches above its weight in everything it does.

This is a big decision, and one we are all charged with making – it comes down to which flag we each believe best symbolises our respect for the achievements of our past, acknowledges the diverse and multi-cultural society we are today, and the one we believe best endures for our kids, their children and their children’s children as it will be the legacy we leave them,” he said.

In the second postal referendum which will be held between 3-24 March next year, eligible voters will choose between the current flag and the preferred alternative. The result of that referendum will be binding.

“That vote will be looked back on in history as a time where Kiwis chose how they would portray our country to the rest of the world,” said Professor Burrows.

The preferred alternative and current flag are available at no cost to communities who have the ability to fly them together in highly visible locations, spread across the country. Ideally the two flags will be flown on two separate flag poles that can be seen if standing in one place. The Panel request that the flags supplied are flown, rather than any other versions of the current New Zealand flag that exist, as it is important that the flags are of the same quality and dimensions.

To request the flags, email info@flag.govt.nz, with a contact name and details (including telephone number and email address). Expressions of interest should include photos of the flag poles on which the flags will fly and information on the location of the poles in relation to each other. e.g. a map or sketch showing the location of each flag pole. The flags are 1.8m x 0.9m in size and suitable for outdoor use.

ENDS

© Scoop Media