NZ flag change: A vote for children?

  • Breaking
  • 29/04/2015

Giving children the right to vote on changing the New Zealand flag is one of several suggestions in altering the flag change process.

The process of how New Zealand should go about changing the flag has been questioned during public submissions today.

The select committee heard from seven members of the public about their views on the two-stage binding postal referendum process, set to cost the country $26 million.

In the first referendum, to be held before the end of year, voters will be asked to choose their preferred alternative flag design from three or four options.

In April 2016, the second referendum will ask voters to choose between the winning alternative and the current flag.

One submitter, Michael Gibson suggested schoolchildren be given the opportunity to decide whether they want a new flag.

"[A] vote [should be] given to those living the longest with the consequences," he said.

"By being involved in decision making process school children would feel empowered."

He said it would also foster debate among families and schools.

"New Zealand will be recognised as not only to give women the vote, but also the first country to give children the vote."

When questioned by flag change panel member Jacinda Ardern about the possibility of parents using their children's votes to "amplify" their own views, Mr Gibson didn't think that would be an issue.

"It is perfectly alright for children to reflect views of parents if they want. Many children are very rebellious and the last thing they want to do is accept the view of their parents."

Another submitter, Alex Dittmer, said the change was unneeded and the money set aside for it wasted.

"We could give $5 million to Nepal of that money," he said.

Mr Dittmer, who had served for the fire service and in the armed forces, believed in the New Zealand flag so much he'd had it tattooed on him.

He said he would never recognise any new flag.

"I'd never get the new flag tattooed on me, or the old one removed."

Another submitter, Catherine Underwood said the first question should be whether New Zealanders want to change the flag in the first place.

The answer to that question would save another referendum, she said.

She remained unconvinced about whether a new flag was needed and believed poverty and regional decline were more important issues.

Meanwhile, Neil Montgomerie-Crowe believed a change was "long overdue".

New Zealand had two anthems, which meant it was possible to have two flags, he suggested.

Mr Montgomerie-Crowe believed the current flag could stay for those who wanted to use it, but the new one for day-to-day use.

If the cost were an issue, there could only be one referendum with a choice of the alternatives and the current flag, he suggested.

There is currently no cap on how much people would be able to spend on promoting their chosen flag.

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