That flag, which like the Australian flag includes the Union Jack in one corner and a stylised southern cross, won 56.6% of the vote, compared to the silver fern flag’s 43.2%. A total of 67.3% of eligible voters took part in the referendum, which was held between March 3 and 24. “It was a brilliant result”, Linda Bullions, RSA patron, said.
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Said Wellington resident Sarah Newbold: “I voted to keep the flag – not really because I did not like the idea of change, more because the proposed new flag is so very ugly and a bit embarrassing…” But he added he believed the referendum had been worthwhile.
But after spending millions of dollars and months on the process, opinion polls indicate the South Pacific nation will choose to stick with its current flag.
The referendum was a two-stage process, with voters first being asked to decide on a possible alternative to the current design. Comparisons with Canada gained new life in 2014 when then prime minister Stephen Harper visited New Zealand.
The silver fern lapel pin he has worn during the referendum will be put away – but he will not be throwing it out.
The 18-month process has cost about £12 million [$NZ26 million] but has failed to capture the public imagination.
The current flag, which has been the national symbol since 1902, was up against a new design that was chosen from more than 10,000 entries submitted by the public.
Another reason many wanted a new flag was its striking resemblance to the flag of trans-Tasman rival Australia.
The debate became politicized, with the opposition Labour Party accusing Key of trying to impose a personal project on the country.
It says New Zealand soldiers fought and died under the current flag and it shouldn’t be changed.
Those supporting the change, including Prime Minister John Key, complained the flag exaggerated their country’s colonial history. Elections are expected in the second half of 2017.
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However, he’ll now be throwing his full support behind the existing flag and he’s urging New Zealanders to do the same. Currently Britain’s Queen Elizabeth is New Zealand’s head of state.
