Whichever way we voted the people have spoken and we should unite behind our flag as one people, says New Zealand First Leader and Member of Parliament for Northland Rt Hon Winston Peters.
'Kiwis gave the alternative flag a chance tonight in no uncertain terms.
'All credit to the thousands who turned out to prevent change – they were determined not to be a push over.
'Why they voted with such a strong voice is no doubt linked to historic reasons and the $26m cost, with many believing it should have gone on more worthy causes.
'While we respect the views of the many who voted for a new flag, it was not to be.
'The idea came out of left field with the Prime Minister telling us we wanted a flag change and we liked the silver fern, all without any costing being done.
'But the PM refused to be hands off. The process was manipulated from the start with a compliant flag panel choosing decisions to the PM's liking. Mr Key even got the alternative flown on the Auckland Harbour Bridge, paid for by his own department and the Ministry of Transport.
'Even the voting paper was not immune to the government's influence with the alternative being placed above our official flag.
'Whether this was the time for a flag change or not, it did not come about because the PM's handling of it ensured the result we got tonight.”
SOURCE: Office of Winston Peters
5 comments
Right Hon! (excuse pun)
Posted on 26-03-2016 13:41 | By Papamoaner
And next it will be used as an excuse to push for a republic. Do we REALLY NEED to become a republic? - Worst case scenario - a military coup followed by a dictatorship. Having governors general helps to insulate us and preserves integrity.
Hopeful
Posted on 26-03-2016 15:33 | By Towball
For a change of Prime Minister though.
Flag was a distraction for TPP
Posted on 26-03-2016 23:36 | By marshamaxw
John Key didn't care at all. The flag was just a distraction, the TPP which was the real agenda they were trying to push through.
Not a distraction
Posted on 27-03-2016 15:25 | By Papamoaner
It was an attraction, not a distraction. Based on ego. The prime minister was over confident that we would support him because he is a good mate of rugby and the fern is their phallic symbol. He has reminded us that politicians in general will manipulate us to their own ends. The public will be more alert next time.
Overit
Posted on 28-03-2016 15:20 | By overit
Apart from not liking the flag, I saw the exercise as a bit of "social disobedience". Kind of sticking it to the PM. Yes it may have been a distraction to the TPPA but now we have Iwi and fresh water rights to focus on folks. We must fight this one.
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