8 December 2015

Media release

Last days to have your say – get your referendum voting papers in before the Friday deadline

The Flag Consideration Panel reminded Kiwis today that the first referendum to rank the five alternative flags has only a few days to go and encouraged voters to get papers in before voting closes on Friday 11 December.

Flag Consideration Panel chair, Professor John Burrows, said this referendum is about considering the possibilities and ranking them, rather than making a final decision on change.

In the second referendum in March next year, eligible voters will choose between the current flag and the preferred alternative.

“This is an important time in New Zealand’s history; it’s the very first time New Zealanders have had an opportunity to think which alternative flag could potentially represent them now, and in the future, as individuals and as a nation.

You have the opportunity to choose between the current flag and the preferred alternative flag next March. In this referendum, I encourage you to exercise your vote and rank the alternatives, otherwise the preferred alternative flag will be determined for you by others who do vote,” said Professor Burrows.

Any remaining voting papers should be placed in the posting boxes in store at PostShops nationwide. Locations can be found here: https://www.nzpost.co.nz/tools/postshop-kiwibank-locator

The Electoral Commission advises all voting papers postmarked or date stamped on or before Friday 11 December will be counted as long as they are received by noon on Tuesday 15 December.

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