Editorial: Has flag debate piqued or peaked?

In exchange for widening the choice and pretending it was in answer to the public's call, the Nats have asked Labour to stop mouthing off about the $26 million being spent on the matter.

Has the public's interest in the flag debate been piqued or has it peaked because of the ring-in?

We are told the addition of a fifth design to the four already selected for the referendum follows a groundswell of public support.

In fact, it follows the big noise that lobbyists for the design were able to make via an obliging media.

But it might never have flown had it not provided an ideal chance for political point scoring.

And populist John Key can't lose much by accommodating the Green Party's push to get "Red Peak" on the poll (or should that be pole?).

The Greens get their point across but have to vote against any bid by Labour to include a yes/no vote in the first-stage referendum.

In exchange for widening the choice and pretending it was in answer to the public's call, the Nats have asked Labour to stop mouthing off about the $26 million being spent on the matter.

Despite the silly process that was chosen, this nation should have a new flag - one defining New Zealand Aotearoa while acknowledging our roots, and which can't be confused with Australia's flag.

But there's a danger now voters will think that because "Red Peak" created such a buzz it's the worthiest.

That's what a strong ad campaign can do, and there are some hard-hitting brandmakers behind the fifth flag option.

Perhaps that's why they're rooting for a design which looks more like a label for thermal underwear than the best choice for our national flag.