Inclusive process sees voters choose current NZ flag

The Electoral Commission has declared that following a significant turnout of 67.78%, the current New Zealand flag has been chosen by voters in the final referendum.

The flag was determined by the binding postal referendum held between 3 and 24 March where voters were asked, “What is your choice for the New Zealand flag?” The current flag received 1,208,702 votes, with 921,876 votes for the alternative. Full results of the referendum can be found at www.elections.org.nz

Flag Consideration Panel chair, Professor John Burrows, acknowledged that it has been a robust debate and millions of kiwis engaged in the conversation across New Zealand.

“Kiwis have had an opportunity to really consider what our flag means, what it represents to them, and for the first time in history, choose a flag.

We are a lucky nation in that we’ve had a democratic and inclusive process to think about it and make our own decision and it’s pleasing to see such a significant turnout for the referendum. Page 2 of 3

Throughout this process people have had a chance to learn more about our flag; its history and the events and achievements it represents, and it has been flown around the country in many more locations than ever before which I hope to see continue,” said Professor Burrows.

He said that this world-first process presented a unique opportunity for a significant conversation about nationhood and identity.

On behalf of the Flag Consideration Panel, Professor Burrows would like to thank everyone that participated in the engagement process, and in particular: the 43,000 people that shared what they stand for; the over 6,000 people that visited the public seminars and information stands; the

ENDS

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