Ausflag campaigners implore NZ to choose the alternative fern design.

Surveys suggest that the existing flag will still be New Zealand's flag when the official count is declared on March 30.

Voting papers for the flag referendum are being sent out tomorrow. Herald went to Flagstaff Lane to get an idea of how people intend to vote.

Mike Hosking says to not vote for change based on the fact John Key thought the idea up is ridiculous. Irregardless of who thought the idea up, the result is the only thing that matters. Make your vote count.

John Key has pulled back in his personal campaign to change the flag in a last-ditch bid to get left-wing voters back on board as the historic vote looms.

The Herald went to Flagstaff Tce, in Devonport, for the first in a series of what Kiwis on the street think.

The Herald went to Flagstaff Tce, in Devonport, for the first in a series of what Kiwis on the street think.

The Herald went to Flagstaff Tce, in Devonport, for the first in a series of what Kiwis on the street think.

New Zealand First leader says only citizens should be allowed to vote in the flag referendum.

If you like it, vote for it. If you like the present flag better, vote for it. Don't let anything else get in the way, writes Audrey Young.

Writer Bruce Logan and designer Michael Smythe are not impressed with the proposed new flag.

Paul Charman claims the flag referendum is shaping up as a showdown between the old religion and the new.

When half the Cabinet doesn't support a flag change and only 10 MPs turn up to a meeting about supporting the change, you know it's a lost cause.

Key: At the end of the day I think the majority of New Zealanders will say it's money well spent, writes Steve Braunias.

The flag referendum has been a wonderfully free and open democratic process, and vastly superior to the angst ridden and often finger-pointing bollocks we see come election year, Mike argues.

All Blacks great Dan Carter has appeared in a short video alongside a host of other high-profile Kiwis encouraging New Zealanders to vote for change in the upcoming flag referendum.

Claims that the national flag referendum is dividing the National caucus are "nonsense", Prime Minister John Key says.

Auckland business leaders rubbed shoulders with Cabinet ministers at a flag-change fundraiser that looked to build support for a new national banner.

It was a case of second time lucky as the alternative New Zealand flag was hoisted on the Auckland Harbour Bridge this week.

Air New Zealand chief Christopher Luxon says the referendum gives this country an opportunity to stand out globally.

MPs are in favour of a change of national flag, a straw poll by the Herald suggests.

Australians are taking a natural interest in our flag debate. It raises a question for them that has become a recurring topic across the Tasman.

With two months until we vote on national symbol, it is important to view proposed new design in action.

Perceptible shift in public mood after first referendum suggests enough of us feel ready to make the move, writes John Roughan.

Kyle Lockwood is wondering what he can do next.

To say that changing our flag is in some way disrespectful to those who fought in foreign climes is bollocks, writes Barry Soper.

The silver fern flag with black, white and blue colours has come out on top in the first flag referendum.