Before voting take a good look at the two fl ags flying side by side and ask yourself: ‘If I took these flags around the world which one would be recognised as being from NZ, especially if not held out?' We attended the closing ceremony at the Youth Olympics in China and couldn't identify our flag as there were four with the Union Jack flag on a dark blue background, Australia, New Zealand, Cook and Virgin Island. The Union Jack flag used to appear on several flags but most now have changed to better identify their countries. Our present fl ag was adopted in 1912 when the majority of New Zealanders were from Britain, now most of our population have been born here and immigrants now come from all around the world. Our soldiers fought for democracy, not the flag and carried the fern on their badges and those that died had the fern engraved on the grave stones. Britain dumped us as a trading partner in the 1960s when they joined the European Economic Community. Then a few years ago they stopped work permits for young Kiwis. Just recently medical assistance for Kiwis was also stopped. The British Government was also responsible for the Treaty of Waitangi and the confiscation of Maori land, which we are now paying for. Why would you want a flag that indicated any association with Britain after this, and when they do not want us? Be proud and look to our future and adopt the flag with the fern that will be recognised worldwide as ours.

B Currie, Tauranga City.