The flag change debate is a red-herring and most Kiwis couldn't care less about the flag. There are currently far more important things of concern to New Zealand but if we seriously need to address the flag thing then at least save millions by undertaking the binding Referendum at the 2016 Local Body Elections.

Only two questions need to be put on voting papers:

Do you want the NZ flag changed? Answer: Yes/No.

If ‘Yes', here is a selection of say six flag designs - which one do you prefer should Parliament finally resolve that a flag change is necessary?

If the Referendum majority says ‘No' to a flag change then that's the end of it.
The $27 million cost for this flag nonsense is obscene and fiscally imprudent – still, as a country that racks up to $300 million per week on overseas debt deficits probably this represents only small change to Prime Minister Key & Co.

The National Government and most Local Authorities seem to have no accountability or personal concern about profligacy so this is how these madcap ideas take flight.

S Paterson, Arataki.