Flag debate: now look who's involved

Two of the country's largest corporates have pinned their colours to the mast in controversial fashion by backing calls for a referendum on changing the New Zealand flag.

Telecom and NZ Post have thrown their support behind the campaign, agreeing to post copies of the referendum petition form to 1.4 million households.

The companies have defended themselves against suggestions they are seeking to influence a political debate, saying they merely want to assist New Zealanders in discussing the issue.

The campaign by lobby group nzflag.com needs 270,000 signatures by October to force a referendum on the question "Should the design of the New Zealand flag be changed?"

Despite the endorsements of a long list of well-known New Zealanders - including cricket legend Sir Richard Hadlee, former Governor-General Dame Cath Tizard and Warehouse founder Stephen Tindall - only 100,000 people have signed the petition so far.

Telecom confirmed last week that petition forms would be included with monthly accounts sent to customers in August.

NZ Post will provide freepost return envelopes.

Telecom also helped produce a 30-second campaign ad starring rugby great Colin Meads, which debuted before the All Blacks-Lions test in Christchurch last weekend, and will be played again at Eden Park next weekend.

Campaign spokeswoman Jo Coughlan said Telecom and NZ Post's involvement was very encouraging for the organisers.

"The issue for this campaign all the way along is that we haven't had a distribution network," she said.

Telecom spokesman John Goulter said the company's support had "flowed on" from chief executive Theresa Gattung's personal endorsement of the campaign.

On the nzflag.com website, Ms Gattung says: "We inherited the existing flag without ever making a decision about why we have it and what it means. Personally, I'd love to see a flag that says something strong and positive about New Zealand."

But Mr Goulter said Telecom's support for the petition did not equate to support for changing the flag. "We're not taking any position at all ... But we do think it's a good debate to be having."

NZ Post spokesman Ian Long denied the postal service had entered a political debate.

"We're facilitating the communication. We don't perceive it to be a political debate. It's merely a case of helping Kiwis share their opinion on the topic."

- HERALD ON SUNDAY