Tauranga's New Zealand First MP Clayton Mitchell is backing the Returned and Services Association's opposing stance on a $26million flag referendum, labelling it a 'slap in the face” to all the Anzac forces that served and sacrificed under the existing flag.

The RSA is taking its support for the country's flag to parliament's Justice and Electoral Committee ahead of the closing date for submissions on proposals on April 23 - two days out from 100 year Anzac day commemorations.

The RSA is calling on the public to express its support for the current flag and opposing the $26m referendum. Photo: File.

The New Zealand Flag Referendums Bill was introduced to Parliament last month, and has generated widespread debate since the proposal was touted last year.

RSA chief executive David Moger says the organisation has already expressed its concern at proposed changes to the flag and, in particular, the timing of two referendums where New Zealanders can vote on whether the present flag should be replaced.

He says 100 years ago New Zealand forces served under the same flag that flies today, and has labelled the timing as 'inappropriate”.

'This debate is insensitive as we commemorate the centenary of the First World War,” says David.

'For many who've served, our current flag is symbolic of the sacred oath they made to protect the peace and security of New Zealand.

'Our men and women made terrible personal sacrifices and we honour their courage and commitment every time our current flag is flown.”

The RSA wants the centenary of Anzac Day be commemorated without distraction, but now the Bill has been referred to a select committee, it will use the opportunity to ask why the government is seeking a change when there is no dissenting voice demanding a new flag?

They are also urging the public to write to their local MPs expressing support for the current flag and opposing the $26m referendum. Alternatively, they can make their own submission to the Justice and Electoral Committee.

Meanwhile, Mitchell is receiving emails and phone calls on a daily basis regarding the issue, but believes the referendum needs to be a simple yes or no to ‘do we need a new flag'?

The newly appointed committee, which met for the first time last month, will choose the design of four alternative flags from which New Zealanders will select one. That preference will then be pitted against the existing New Zealand flag in a second referendum.

He says there is no need for a new flag or the initial $26m bill.

'It seems to me this is about a John Key legacy,” says Clayton. 'It's just whimsical.

'And particularly if you think about it. It's the 100-year anniversary of WWI and we are talking about people that died under this flag and for this flag.

'I think it's a slap in the face for those people that fought in these wars.”

Tauranga MP Simon Bridges says in the last couple of days members of the public have contacted him with strong views both for and against a change in the nation's flag - something he endorses, saying it is great to see people passionate about their flag, including the RSA.

'Personally, I'm going to wait and see what the alternative is like before I make a decision,” says Simon. 'I probably started in the camp of being opposed, but I'm starting to shift ground.

'But really it will depend on what the alternative is like and how I think it mixes it up with what we have got, which is of course the tried and true.”

Like his two fellow MPs, Bay of Plenty's Todd Muller has been inundated with 'passionate” viewpoints on the topic and expects this to continue leading up to the referendum.

'I have certainly had a number of emails and people who have written to me saying they would rather have the flag stay as it is,” explains Todd.

'Then I have had a couple of people who are passionate about particular flag designs that have come to see me and put forward versions they think should be considered.”

Over the next few weeks the committee will consider the New Zealand Flag Referendums Bill, which was introduced to the House in March. The committee will then report back to parliament by July 19.

Flag Referendums Bill:

• Sets the process for two referendums on the flag.

• Bill to be considered by Parliament's Justice & Electoral Committee.

• Submissions close Thursday April 23.

• Select committee to report by July 19.

• First referendum: voters rank preferences from a shortlist of four designs.

• Second referendum, next year: voters choose between the old and new flags.

• $26 million cost of holding referendums and 12-person design panel.