The Flag Debate

One of New Zealand's current prime minister's legacy projects is to change the flag of this country; to get rid of the Union Jack and make it more pertinent to New Zealand as it is now; and distinguish it from the all-too similar Australian flag. The first stage is to choose the alternate, (to the current one,) in the next few weeks; then in March, we vote either to keep the current one, or to change to the alternate.

Designs were submitted by the public, then choices narrowed down to a long list, then the final four chosen by "distinguished New Zealanders" with the fifth, (second from right,) added by popular demand. The far right and the far left above were designed by the same person. You may also have seen the Laser Kiwi which got a lot of social media coverage. The possible disproportionate presence of the silver fern may be due to its association with New Zealand sports teams and/or the PM's preference.

The process is estimated to cost $26 Million, because New Zealand is secure with a "Rock Star" economy. His words.