Editorial: Save cash and leave flag as is

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Our national flag represents so much of New Zealand's history.

It speaks of our past, where we came from, our hopes and dreams and a reminder of everything those before us gave for a better life.

Under the Kiwi flag, men and women have died and none more valiantly than the 18,500 in World War I or the 11,900 in the deadliest military conflict in history, World War II. More died in the controversial Vietnam conflict and many more on their return home from the effects of Agent Orange poisoning.

Our flag is a reminder of what they did after marching off to war under that flag.

Yes, our country is diverse today but, without the past, we would have nothing. They came to this country for the Kiwi way of life, accepting our flag as their's.

And for the life of me I can't understand why the Government wants to change it or waste money on a referendum when there are far more important issues to address.

People in this country are living in poverty. Hard-working people who would benefit far more from the many millions of dollars about to be invested in something that doesn't need changing. Giving tax relief benefits everyone; from the hard worker right through to the shops where they will have money to spend in, that they didn't have before.

It's being quoted this flag deal will cost about $50 million to just find out if it's something we want. Wouldn't that much money be better spent on feeding hungry children or rest-home funding for the elderly?

If not, our health system needs an injection of cash; because services aren't the best unless you are in a major crash or emergency. Then staff are stretched to the limit.

The Government will do what it likes in any case whether we vote to change the flag or not - as they did with asset sales. So why waste the money? Is this really what taxpayers want their money spent on?

Most people just want to live a fair life and are happy with the flag they have lived under just as those who came seeking a new life promised to do so. Like my nan always said: "If it ain't broken, it don't need fixing."