PM says time not right for new flag

Prime Minister Helen Clark does not believe there is enough support now to force a referendum on changing New Zealand's flag, but thinks it will be possible in future.

She was asked about Telecom and NZ Post's decision to post copies of a petition to 1.4 million households, calling for a referendum on changing the flag.

Lobby group nzflag.com needs 270,000 signatures by October to initiate a referendum.

Helen Clark said she did not know about Telecom and NZ Post's decision, but boards were free to make decisions they thought were in best interests of their company and shareholders.

She did not think the time had yet arrived for debate on changing the flag.

"Through most of my political career the generation that fought in very large numbers in the Second World War has been with us in large numbers and it's been a very, very sensitive issue for that generation and hence it hasn't been the time to take it up," she said.

"Sadly, that generation is passing on and I think new generations of New Zealanders will take a different attitude about the flag and it's something that will be able to be discussed.

"But it doesn't look at this point as though the petition to get a referendum motion on the ballot paper will collect sufficient signatures.

"But there will be a time where it will be seen as appropriate to address it more formally."

- NZPA