Top Issue 1-2024

10 February 2014

Resize: A A A Print

New Zealand may ditch 'British imperialist' flag

New Zealand rugby fans in Dublin

"I think what we've got at the moment is anachronistic. It smacks of British imperialism and we've given that away a long time ago, and I think we should have something that reflects our own identity." — Peter Dunne MP

NEW ZEALAND Prime Minister John Key says there may be a referendum to change the country's flag.

He believes public opinion is split down the middle on whether or not to keep the current version with a Union flag canton and there is no obvious alternative version at the moment.

The National Party leader said his personal preference is a new flag depicting a single silver fern on a black background, the logo used by the All Blacks rugby team.

New Zealand Green Party co-leader Russel Norman also supported the idea and said wide-ranging public consultation is needed.

Socialist indigenous rights Mana Party MP Hone Harawira says he'd like to see the current flag replaced byMaori Flag the Tino Rangatiratanga flag (pictured), sometimes referred to as the Maori flag:

"It's more reflective of our history, of our world, and it shows that we're not just babies of Queen Victoria we are our own people, an independent nation," he said.

"I think New Zealanders need to get a sense of their own national identity."

Independent MP Peter Dunne added:

"I think what we've got at the moment is anachronistic. It smacks of British imperialism and we've given that away a long time ago, and I think we should have something that reflects our own identity."

Follow us on Facebook

An Phoblacht on Twitter

An Phoblacht Podcast

An Phoblacht podcast advert2

Uncomfortable Conversations 

uncomfortable Conversations book2

An initiative for dialogue 

for reconciliation 

— — — — — — —

Contributions from key figures in the churches, academia and wider civic society as well as senior republican figures

GUE-NGL Latest Edition ad

An Phoblacht
44 Parnell Sq.
Dublin 1
Ireland