Defence chief hits out at campaign to change the flag

Defence chief Bruce Ferguson has fired a shot at those who want a new New Zealand flag.

In a speech to the RSA's annual conference in Wellington yesterday, Air Marshal Ferguson spoke out against attempts to force a referendum, saying New Zealand's present flag had a proudhistory.

"I joined under that flag, I served under that flag. I shall retire under that flag and I shall honour it for the rest of my life."

His comments came after the 300 delegates at the conference passed a motion that the flag should be changed only if there was a substantial majority, and calling for the issue to be removed from the political arena.

Proponents of a new flag, led by Wellington businessman Lloyd Morrison, have created a website and are actively seeking 270,000 signatures for a citizens-initiated referendum.

Spokeswoman Jo Coughlan said the petition had 100,000 signatures so far.

- NZPA