And so it begins the pros and cons of the flag change, somewhere along the way we have lost the concept of the cost and reality of it all.

Those for the change state it is time for change because our flag is: 'Too similar to our neighbours”, 'Our current flag is out of date”, 'Our soldiers didn't fight for the flag they fought for democracy”, 'John Key's theory that a flag change will put New Zealand on the world map and people will identify us by the new flag”. And my favourite: 'You can't tell whose flag is who's when the All Blacks run on to the field”.

Not one of these reasons is good enough to warrant the spending of such a large amount of money.

The concept is foolish; I am sure primary school children could come up with better reasons.

There is a huge difference between the two flags, hope you patriots can spot them. No flag is too old or out of date, it all comes down to patriotism.

Our soldiers may have had the silver fern and not our flag on their uniform, I am sure they didn't give it a thought back in those days, but it was their bravery and tenacity that people, including the enemy, recognised them as New Zealanders.

Oh yes that simple wording on their uniform 'New Zealand”!

As for the All Blacks, a little promotion of our current flag would help. Instead of handing out silver fern flags, hand out our national flag and wave it like you mean it. The world recognises the All Blacks by the colour of their uniform, the haka and their true grit and abilities on the field. No emblem required.

John, you poor delusional chap, change the flag if you must but you will have to spend lots promoting it over seas to make a difference to NZ's economy. Why not promote the one we have and get the unpatriotic Kiwis behind it. You see Mr Key - it's not the flag that made NZ, but its people, its number 8 wire attitudes, the bravery and true grit. Its people 'John 25, verse a million”, you're not a God, so promote the people and not a piece of cloth.

R Stewart, Te Puke.