Latest fromFlag Debate
![Taxpayers' $25m bill, even if flag stays](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Taxpayers' $25m bill, even if flag stays
Changing New Zealand's flag is likely to cost the taxpayer $30 million or more, with Finance Minister Bill English acknowledging he doesn't know what the final total will be.
![PM defends cost of flag referendums](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
PM defends cost of flag referendums
Two referendums are to be held on changing the NZ flag - the first to firm up a design and the second to choose between it and the existing flag.
![NZ to vote on new flag next year - Key](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
NZ to vote on new flag next year - Key
New Zealanders are likely to get their first vote on a new national flag at the end of next year, Prime Minister John Key says.
![NZ flag's fate roped to Union Jack](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
NZ flag's fate roped to Union Jack
The Union Jack could be in for an overhaul - meaning another design for the New Zealand flag could be on the cards if Scotland becomes an independent country.
![Flag It! begins flag debate](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Flag It! begins flag debate
Leading artists are flying their ideas for a new national flag in an Auckland art gallery ahead of next year's debate and referendum.
![Top US paper backs Key's flag change](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Top US paper backs Key's flag change
The New York Times has thrown its weight behind a change to the New Zealand flag.
![Brian Rudman: Black, red and white flag a spark of sense](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Brian Rudman: Black, red and white flag a spark of sense
The faith modern executives have in the transformational powers of rebranding is remarkable.
![Editorial: PM's flag path gives time for thorough input from all](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Editorial: PM's flag path gives time for thorough input from all
Whatever the makeup of the govt after the Sept 20 election, a cross-party committee of MPs will be established to come up with the best option for a referendum process on changing the NZ flag.
![NZ flag vote to be held after election](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
NZ flag vote to be held after election
New Zealanders will vote on whether New Zealand gets a new flag during the next Parliamentary term, Prime Minister John Key announced this morning.
![Paul Thomas: Lorde's success gives country another reason to change flag](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Paul Thomas: Lorde's success gives country another reason to change flag
There are only three things wrong with our flag. The presence of the Union Jack suggests this country is a British possession, the last, loneliest relic of an otherwise vanished empire, writes Paul Thomas.
![Sam Clements: Fly a flag for our future and past](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Sam Clements: Fly a flag for our future and past
Historically, few nations have chosen to replace their flags with new ones, although many have made adaptations to existing designs, writes Sam Clements.
![Black NZ flag rejected](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Black NZ flag rejected
A black and white New Zealand flag showing a fern leaf may not be the best option, according to academics and designers, but they agree it's time for a change.
![PM on NZ ensign: Keep it, or flag it?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
PM on NZ ensign: Keep it, or flag it?
The Prime Minister has revived the possibility of changing the NZ flag, though he concedes the issue could be an election year distraction.
![Editorial: Key needs to be bolder on flag change](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Editorial: Key needs to be bolder on flag change
Editorial: Hats off to the Prime Minister for being prepared to test the public appetite for changing the national flag.
![Shelley Bridgeman: Should we change our flag?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Shelley Bridgeman: Should we change our flag?
If we change it now who’s to say future generations won’t do the same when what we thought was so appropriate in the early 21st century starts looking tired and dated.
![Silver Fern design preferred choice for new NZ flag](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Silver Fern design preferred choice for new NZ flag
A silver fern is the most favoured design for an alternative New Zealand flag, according to nzherald.co.nz readers.
![Alternative NZ flag designs - Gallery 3](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Alternative NZ flag designs - Gallery 3
Readers contribute their designs for a new flag for New Zealand.
![Flag debate: Maori split on need for new design](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=815)
Flag debate: Maori split on need for new design
Many Maori would welcome a new flag if it reflected tangata whenua. However, concerns remain about disrespect for the current ensign.