New Zealanders are set to receive their first chance to vote towards what could be a new national flag.
More than three million flag referendum voting papers will begin arriving in letterboxes across the country this morning.
The five alternative flags to be ranked in the upcoming referendum. Photo: File.
They should arrive by November 27 at the latest.
Voters will be asked to rank the five alternative flag options, which were shortlisted by a referendum panel out of more than 10,000 designs submitted.
The voting papers will need to be mailed back by December 8 to meet the deadline of December 11.
The official result of the first referendum will be announced on December 15.
In March next year, there will be another referendum to choose between the preferred alternative option and the current flag.
Acting Prime Minister Bill English yesterday urged people to exercise their right to vote on the flag.
10 comments
More could be done
Posted on 20-11-2015 11:59 | By Merlin
More could be done with the $26 million such as more hip and knee surgery etc especially for the elderly who are in pain and payed taxes for many many years.such a waste of money.Voting to keep our current flag.
Bye bye
Posted on 20-11-2015 12:17 | By Plonker
$26 million and counting ....
WHAT IF
Posted on 20-11-2015 15:17 | By Laurie
the flag is changed it will be $26 million & counting - just consider the cost of changing all the government stationery etc to the new design. I agree entirely with Fred above - if there is literally money (our taxes) to burn it should been added to the health budget.
Next election
Posted on 20-11-2015 15:23 | By Kenworthlogger
Remember this when it is time to vote for who runs the country next election. Personally throwing 26 million down the gurgler on a pet project when we all know that no one wants the flag changed is pretty horrific. What a waste of money.
Why?
Posted on 20-11-2015 15:38 | By The Sage
Why is the first vote to vote on one of the new designs? I don't want a new design so I'm not voting on any of them. Save some money and time by sending out the second vote first asking how many want to change the flag. If the majority say No, which I hope is what will happen, then you wouldn't need to do a second vote and save money. Makes sense to me but obviously not to the politicians.
Flag are flappin'...
Posted on 20-11-2015 18:07 | By Me again
who will remember the person who changed our national emblem in 25 to 50 years time and think, Yeah him that use $26 plus million to change what and for what. Well maybe he will have his signature on it.WASTE OF SPACE AND TIME!!!
Like being invited to
Posted on 20-11-2015 20:41 | By How about this view!
A banquet with nothing on the menu. I will certainly vote for one of these (maybe the least appealing: The Koru) and then vote against it next year. At least I will have my say.....
Yes why change
Posted on 20-11-2015 21:50 | By Rusty8
What a waste of money!This money could be spent feeding needing families.What is wrong with the flag?Our fathers and grandfathers have fought under this flag!
Cast informal votes to be heard.
Posted on 21-11-2015 08:51 | By astex
If you want to have your opinion noted you need to cast an "informal" vote. Simply write on the form "keep the existing flag" and send it back. Informal votes will then "win" the most votes and send a message.
a flag wont keep you dry
Posted on 21-11-2015 11:33 | By satan
i would like the top left one to replace our current one, but i would rather the money was spent on better housing or services to help those who dont meet housing nz requirements but are struggling on low income and are stuck in low quality living conditions to get out and find a safer healthier home.
Leave a Comment
You must be logged in to make a comment.