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.

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.

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.

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.

Leading artists are flying their ideas for a new national flag in an Auckland art gallery ahead of next year's debate and referendum.

The New York Times has thrown its weight behind a change to the New Zealand flag.

The faith modern executives have in the transformational powers of rebranding is remarkable.

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.

New Zealanders will vote on whether New Zealand gets a new flag during the next Parliamentary term, Prime Minister John Key announced this morning.

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.

Historically, few nations have chosen to replace their flags with new ones, although many have made adaptations to existing designs, writes Sam Clements.

Rod Emmerson's take on the flag change debate.

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.

The Prime Minister has revived the possibility of changing the NZ flag, though he concedes the issue could be an election year distraction.

Editorial: Hats off to the Prime Minister for being prepared to test the public appetite for changing the national 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.

A silver fern is the most favoured design for an alternative New Zealand flag, according to nzherald.co.nz readers.

Readers contribute their designs for a new flag for New Zealand.

Many Maori would welcome a new flag if it reflected tangata whenua. However, concerns remain about disrespect for the current ensign.