The meetings provide an opportunity for members of the public to discuss the project with panel members.
Communications specialist for the Flag Consideration Project, Suzanne Stephenson, said public response had been mixed. "There are a range of views as can be expected with any type of consideration process.
"There are those who like the current flag, those who would like to see it updated in some way - 'put a silver fern/kiwi on it' - and those who would like to consider change," she said. "The panel is interested in hearing what values New Zealanders feel are special about New Zealand and those values will help inform alternative flag designs."
Te Puke woman Gail Henry said the country "absolutely needs a change" of flag.
"It's about national pride and national identity."
Mrs Henry was at the meeting last night to share her thoughts and discuss designs with others, stressing the importance of a symbolic national flag. ...
"It would rapidly become instantly recognised throughout the world as representing New Zealand."
Mrs Henry was surprised there had been such a lack of support for the proposed change from "one of the most fiercely independent and proud nations".
"The old flag doesn't disappear, it still represents our country in the timeframe of our soldiers' commitment in past wars," she said.
Tauranga man and RSA member Graham Macgregor respected history and heritage but was open to change.
We were no longer bicultural and he wanted every multicultural New Zealander to be able to look at the flag and think "yes, that's me".
Flag Consideration Panel member Professor John Burrows said the debate was just a time to discuss the idea. The panel was not for or against change but wanted New Zealanders to really consider what it meant to them.
