Prime Minister John Key has just executed his second big about-face in the same month, writes Audrey Young. But political damage is likely to be limited because in both cases he has eventually done the right thing.

Prime Minister bows to pressure and agrees deal with Greens to add flag to referendum list.

Simple flag design clear favourite in children's art challenge.

The Red Peak flag will be added as a fifth option in the flag referendum, Prime Minister John Key has confirmed. The Government has agreed to pick-up legislation that was put forward by the Green Party this afternoon, which means the Red Peak design will join the four flag alternatives already selected.

I'm chuffed that the emergence of the Red Peak represents a victory of the spirit over bureaucracy, and an illustration of how the new form of democracy can make a significant contribution, writes Kevin Helas.

The Labour leader is only just in front of NZ First leader Peters in the preferred PM stakes but says he will not entertain the suggestion of sharing the top job.

Editorial: Red Peak should be in the first ballot. The only question is whether it replaces one of the panel's four or becomes a fifth option.

In a desperate attempt to resuscitate his dying campaign, John Key is now hinting at rewriting the rules and adding Red Peak to the shortlist, writes Brian Rudman.

MPs from parties from Act to the Green went to accept the petition, which was handed over on a USB stick by organiser Rowan Simpson this afternoon.

Professor Will Hayward, who is head of the Psychology Department at the University of Auckland's Faculty of Science, weighs in on the flag debate.

Foreign Minister says New Zealanders should be grateful the question will go to the public vote, unlike many other countries.

If the Government wanted to replace one of the four flag finalists with Red Peak, it could do so by Order in Council - just a flick of a pen. Have your say.

Seymour is asking Prime Minister John Key to postpone the first referendum on a new flag until after Christmas.

David Seymour is asking John Key to postpone the first referendum on a new flag until after Christmas to give families a chance to discuss their favourite.

NZ is like Springfield. When something happens the whole town turns up for a comment. Principal Skinner, the Sea Captain, Bumblebee Man, Mr Burns, Smithers, writes Matt Heath.

Truly, the complexities of these Red Peak cossacks' anti-Key, anti-fern jihad are too confusing for me. writes Toby Manhire. Mike Hosking? David Seymour? Rodney Hide?

One of the Flag Consideration Panel members who helped to pick the final four options sits on a government board where her job is to help promote the Fern Mark logo.

The Flag Consideration Panel asked for the 'expert' advice of a Nike sportshoe designer who previously designed washing machines, writes Grant McLachlan.

Public have due cause to think that this has been a jack up. The Flag Consideration Panel has decided to come up with exactly what the PM wants, writes Gareth Morgan.

While John Key says it's impossible, one expert claims there is a way Red Peak can be added to the flag referendum.

The $25m spent on planning a new flag is only the beginning - hundreds of thousands more will be needed if a new ensign is adopted.

"I like all of the new designs. I think the thing I like most about them is their shape. They're all shaped exactly like flags."

Enthusiasts for a change of flag are telling us this is the one chance in our lifetime to make this decision, John Roughan writes.

A fern on the flag is okay but please keep the red, white and blue ...

The shunned triangular concept is less annoying than stylised ferns and a marsupial's backside, writes Toby Manhire.

Dave Clark offers to redesign the ferns on three of the shortlisted flag submissions: "If we are going to do it, we need to do it right."