Best of the Web: Most want to stay with current flag

Kate Blackley said we should stick with what we have. Photo / File

The story of the hour - the four flag designs - had to be tested, and while reporters were out and about getting street opinion, the Times-Age put the question to the Facebook audience. Which flag do you like, or should we stay with the original?

The post was viewed by over 3000 people, with more than 50 comments.

The general tenor of the comments was a preference to keep the status quo, with accusations the four designs were boring and there were better things to spend the money on.

But there was also some support for the silver fern combined with a Southern Cross.

Maxine Schultz said she didn't like any of them. "Leave our flag as it is. It is history for our country for the men and women that went to the wars all those years ago."

Kathleen Parkin thought we needed to get over ourselves and this "crap competition" between New Zealanders and Australians. "It's childish and pathetic. Grow up. I feel so embarrassed for you all. These flags are supposed to represent a nation, for God's sake, not a bloody sports game."

Kate Blackley said we should stick with what we have.

"It has served this country well. That money could provide surgery, food and quality of life for New Zealanders. A flag will not alleviate their suffering."

The four flag designs chosen by the Flag Consideration panel.

Jo White thought the Flag Consideration Panel did not have the skills to choose a design.

"I'm going to vote for the old one because these options are insipid. Next time don't let a bunch of business people, sportspeople and politicians run the process of deciding on a visual image - get our artists and designers to do it."