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  1. #1
    Thailand Expat KEVIN2008's Avatar
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    New Zealand PM wants vote on changing flag.

    New Zealand PM wants vote on changing flag


    New Zealand’s re-elected prime minister John Key celebrates a landslide general election victory with his wife Bronagh (R) and son Max (L) in Auckland. Photograph: Nigel Marple/Reuters.


    New Zealand may vote next year on changing its flag, newly re-elected prime minister John Key said today, as the country looks to assert an identity independent of colonial ties to Britain.

    Mr Key’s centre-right government was returned for a third three year term on Saturday in a resounding win, promising to continue steady economic management and controls on spending, and possible tax cuts in three years.

    Asked about his promise of a referendum on a change of flag, Mr Key said he wanted it to be the subject of a referendum next year, including finding an alternative and then putting that up against the current flag.

    “I’m obviously a big supporter of the change, I think there are a lot of strong arguments in favour of the change,” he said on the Radio Live network.
    Mr Key has previously said he wants a flag uniquely New Zealand in character that would be recognisable around the world.
    The current flag was adopted at the start of the 20th century and features the British Union Jack in the top-left corner with the four red stars of the Southern Cross on a blue background.

    New Zealand PM wants vote on changing flag

  2. #2
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    chassamui's Avatar
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    Response from a Kiwi.
    "Who cares about falling wages, unemployment, attacks on social spending, corruption, government surveillance, asset sales to your rich mates?"

  3. #3
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    Kia ora Kevin,
    The Nats came stomping home, didn't they mate? (not that it came as any surprise) what surprised us Kiwis the most, was how poorly Labour faired. All the minor parties lost ground too. As to if we should change the flag - I'm torn. Our forefathers died on the battlefield for our countries flag, I don't think they would be too keen on a change, on the other hand
    our flag does resemble the Aussie's flag (almost too closely, for my liking). Heart says keep it, head says change it lol.
    Last edited by NZdick1983; 22-09-2014 at 04:05 PM.

  4. #4
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    chassamui's Avatar
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    I am a Brit and an ex servicemen. Soldiers do not fight for the flag, but for their mates and their families.
    New Zealanders are one of the most friendly and welcoming of people anywhere on earth. If they want a black flag with a silver fern on it that's fine by me.
    They will always maintain a strong connection to the UK and they have more than earned the right to change the flag if they so wish.
    The point is, don't sweat the small stuff when there is much more important stuff to do first.
    Heart of Gold and a Knob of butter.

  5. #5
    Thailand Expat harrybarracuda's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by chassamui View Post
    I am a Brit and an ex servicemen. Soldiers do not fight for the flag, but for their mates and their families.
    New Zealanders are one of the most friendly and welcoming of people anywhere on earth. If they want a black flag with a silver fern on it that's fine by me.
    They will always maintain a strong connection to the UK and they have more than earned the right to change the flag if they so wish.
    The point is, don't sweat the small stuff when there is much more important stuff to do first.
    I agree.

  6. #6
    Excommunicated baldrick's Avatar
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    always take the wether with you

  7. #7
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    Quote Originally Posted by chassamui
    I am a Brit and an ex servicemen. Soldiers do not fight for the flag, but for their mates and their families.
    See him every year on Anzac Day
    Swilling beers down at the Rex Hotel
    He’d laugh with his mates and go deep in thought
    Where he went even he couldn’t tell…
    He said “King and country, cock’n’bull
    We fought just to survive
    The anger might have faded, still this feeling grabs me deep inside
    I guess you could call it pride”


    John Schumann

  8. #8
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    ^I half agree bro, and I concede that our guys fought for our country (not that flag)
    it's just that I grew up with my Grand parents, and they went through WW2 so love our
    traditional flag for sentimental reasons I guess... black flag with silver fern would be choice too mate!

    Yeah, lots more important stuff to sort out first, that's for sure.

    *please excuse my Kiwi slang (for those that may not know, 'choice' means awesome) lol
    Last edited by NZdick1983; 22-09-2014 at 05:22 PM.

  9. #9
    RIP pseudolus's Avatar
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    Just a ruse to keep the masses from noticing the real stuff going on. It's a flag. Who cares.

  10. #10
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    ^Agree. We would always associate the changing of the flag with National.

    I believe that would be a positive move for National - gain boatloads of Browny points for re-election (yet again zzzz)...

  11. #11
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  12. #12
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    Cool flag bro! but I think we need a bit more sheep ey?

    I have submitted it, and it's been approved as our new national flag! It's also won numerous design awards for it's awesomeness!



    *Not

  13. #13
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    I get aroused just looking at that many gorgeous sheep!

  14. #14
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    A Maori tiki image would make a nice flag.

  15. #15
    Thailand Expat KEVIN2008's Avatar
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  16. #16
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    New Zealand national religion, should be incorporated into the symbol

  17. #17
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    New Flag....







    .....and appropriate Kiwi attire.





  18. #18
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    Before adopting a black flag with a fern thingy, you might want to hold off until all this ISIS stuff is over. If you raised your new black flag anywhere outside NZ the yanks would shell the shit out of you....might not be safe even in NZ come to think of it..... Better to be mistaken for an Ozzie than and ISIS...as they say.....

  19. #19
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    Quote Originally Posted by koman View Post
    Before adopting a black flag with a fern thingy, you might want to hold off until all this ISIS stuff is over. If you raised your new black flag anywhere outside NZ the yanks would shell the shit out of you....might not be safe even in NZ come to think of it..... Better to be mistaken for an Ozzie than and ISIS...as they say.....
    I don't believe it would matter what flag, the Yanks are still holding a grudge from the volatile Lange years....

  20. #20
    Thailand Expat VocalNeal's Avatar
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    Canada changed their flag. It also features a leaf.

    It looks OK?

  21. #21
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    Quote Originally Posted by VocalNeal View Post
    Canada changed their flag. It also features a leaf.

    It looks OK?
    NZ is in a bit of the same spot as Canada was. It has to find symbolism that will not be decisive or offensive, and yet be inclusive. I would expect there to be a contest of some sort, and the person who can come up with a symbol that unifies the New Zealanders hearts will get the nod. I wouldn't be surprised if there is some emphasis on the natural beauty of the islands. I suppose at some point someone will suggest a hobbit.
    Kindness is spaying and neutering one's companion animals.

  22. #22
    Gohills flip-flops wearer
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    Quote Originally Posted by zygote1
    I suppose at some point someone will suggest a hobbit.
    A hobbit in a habit on a black flag.



  23. #23
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    While I think key is a pillock( he changed the time a kiwi passport is valid from 10 yrs to 5) i agree we dont need any reference to our colonial bosses on a new flag.

  24. #24
    RIP pseudolus's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by peterpan
    i agree we dont need any reference to our colonial bosses on a new flag.
    Yeah you do. NZ all need to remember. So here is a flag I've knocked up - I think it fits the bill perfectly.


  25. #25
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    Quote Originally Posted by peterpan View Post
    While I think key is a pillock( he changed the time a kiwi passport is valid from 10 yrs to 5) i agree we dont need any reference to our colonial bosses on a new flag.
    They are going to change that back Pete.

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