The head of the New Zealand flag consideration panel says attendance at public workshops was "modest", but has defended the $200,000 cost of running the travelling roadshow.

Most of the 25 meetings around the country were held in half-empty halls, with an average crowd of 30 people, and some as low as eight people (New Plymouth) and 10 people (Christchurch).

New Zealand Flag Consideration Panel chair professor John Burrows (left) says the public workshops were an important part of the process. Warwick Smith/Fairfax NZ

Sunday's engagement hui in Waitangi was the final and most popular event, attracting 75 people to debate the potential change of flag.

While specific costs of the meetings won't be released until the end of the flag consideration project, $208,500 of the overall $25.7m budget had been allocated for public meetings.

Panel chair professor John Burrows said that cost covered the meetings as well as information stands at shopping malls, libraries and markets.

He said the roadshow was "an important part of an independent, inclusive and community-driven process" and was particularly useful for people who did not have internet access.

"Some people still prefer a face to face environment and the opportunity to have a discussion.

"While modest in attendance, the meetings have provided an opportunity for members of the public to share their views, as well as hear the views of others."

Project spokeswoman Suzanne Stephenson said the meetings had been "in line with best practice commercial principles".

She said catering was kept to a minimum of tea, coffee and biscuits.

Meanwhile more than 5000 flag designs have been uploaded to flag.govt.nz.Public submissions close July 16.