To date I have not heard any cogent argument for retaining our current flag.

Members of our armed forces do not swear allegiance to a design on a piece of cloth, but to what it represents, namely our country and its values. That remains true whichever flag we have. Changing the flag does not imply any disrespect.

If a flag represents a country, our current flag no longer does. We are no longer a colony, tied to the ‘Motherland'. Although the ‘independence' of New Zealand is a matter of continued debate, we have been self-governing for over a century. Moreover, we no longer have strong political or economic links to Britain.

The Union Jack may reflect the ancestry of some, but not the cosmopolitan and multi-cultural nature of our society today.

The three crosses in the Union Jack may indicate a Christian heritage, but not our present multi-faith/no faith reality.

The Southern Cross constellation is not unique to New Zealand, being easily visible from the entire southern hemisphere at practically any time of year.

As for the $23m, much of it has already been spent, so there is little point in trying to close the stable door after the horse has bolted. Such an exercise was always going to involve cost.

The current flag was not chosen by the people. It was determined and imposed by the Liberal Government in 1902. Our country has changed immensely since then. It's time for a change. We should make the best of the opportunity before us. It would be a shame if we wasted it.

PJ Donnell, Tauranga City.