New Zealand flag debate

This article is about the debate throughout history. For the 2015–16 referendums, see 2015–2016 New Zealand flag referendums.

New Zealand flag debate
Current flag
Silver fern flag of the 2015–16 referendum
Hundertwasser koru flag
Red Peak flag
Current flag and some alternatives

The New Zealand flag debate is a question over whether the national flag should be changed. For several decades, alternative designs have been proposed, with varying degrees of support. There is no consensus among proponents of changing the flag as to which design should replace the current one. Common criticisms of the existing form of the New Zealand flag are its similarity to the Australian flag and the inappropriateness of retaining the Union Jack in the design.[1] A series of polls conducted since the 1970s have shown that a majority of New Zealanders prefer the current flag.[1]

New Zealand's Government held a two-stage binding referendum on a flag change in 2015 and 2016.[2] The four designs chosen as finalists faced criticism for their similarity and reliance on sporting iconography more closely associated with a subset of the population.[3] The referendum was also criticised as an expensive distraction from more important political issues—especially because of the overt endorsement of two silver fern flag designs by Kyle Lockwood (one of which was the flag design at top right) by then-Prime Minister John Key—and for the amateur nature of the crowd-sourced entries.[4] Voters chose to retain the current flag, by a vote of 56.6% to 43.1%.[5] Turnout in the referendum was 67%—relatively low compared to the 74-80% turnout in general elections in the 21st century.[6][7] The referendum, especially the alternative designs offered, was mocked by commentators in New Zealand and abroad,[3][8] and John Key named it as one of his main regrets when he announced his retirement from politics in 2016.[9]

  1. ^ a b "Calls for a new flag". NZ History Online. Ministry for Culture and Heritage. 22 February 2016. Retrieved 6 June 2019.
  2. ^ New Zealand Government (29 October 2014). "First steps taken towards flag referendum". beehive.govt.nz. New Zealand Government. Retrieved 31 October 2014.
  3. ^ a b Puschmann, Karl (1 September 2015). "Flag designs a national disgrace". The New Zealand Herald. ISSN 1170-0777. Retrieved 17 May 2019.
  4. ^ Little, Andrew (24 March 2016). "Andrew Little: John Key's flag has cost New Zealand $26m". The New Zealand Herald. ISSN 1170-0777. Retrieved 17 May 2019.
  5. ^ "New Zealand votes to keep flag in referendum". BBC News. 24 March 2016. Retrieved 24 March 2016.
  6. ^ Cite error: The named reference nbr was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  7. ^ "General Elections 1853–2017 – Dates and Turnout". Elections. NZ Electoral Commission. Retrieved 6 June 2019.
  8. ^ "NZ flag debate mocked by US show". Stuff.co.nz. 4 November 2014. Retrieved 17 May 2019.
  9. ^ Davison, Isaac (4 December 2016). "John Key resigns as Prime Minister of New Zealand, cites family reasons for leaving". The New Zealand Herald. ISSN 1170-0777. Retrieved 17 May 2019.