The Union Jack has earned it's place on our national flag.

If it wasn't for the Maori Chiefs sending a request to Queen Victoria asking for her help to stop the Maori tribes fighting each other, there would not be a Treaty of Waitangi.

The Union Jack is the only recognition I know of to pay tribute to those British soldiers who lie in New Zealand graves.

Our forebears came through two wars and a depression under our revered flag – do we need to add a sports emblem?

I think there is a smokescreen here, with attention on the flag while meetings are being held throughout New Zealand on our water rights. There does seem to be political interference in the choice of our flag. Those who are looking to the future are backing a dead horse, as it is our history and sacrifices that build a nation.

My Husband, along with many of our other brave soldiers, fought and died under our precious flag which means a lot to our loyal and patriotic generation.

U McGrath, Otumoetai