After narrowing down 10,000 submissions to a mere 40, the Government has released the official list that will now undergo the official design review process.
READ MORE: Alternative NZ flag longlist unveiled
That 40 will then become a group of four flags - the most popular of which will be pitted against the current flag, which has represented our country since 1902.
Flag Consideration Panel chairman Professor John Burrows this morning joined Paul Henry to discuss why they released the top 40 designs.
"We wanted to show the public where we were at because they've been so helpful with their suggestions, putting in so many designs – so we thought it was a bit unfair to close the door right now," says Mr Burrows.
"We also wanted to show people that there is a real choice out there."
Watch the video for the full interview.
