New Zealand Referendum

That was an awkward discovery for then-Prime Minister John Key, who had pumped the time and money into a design competition for a new flag and a referendum on choosing one. But in 2016, after a finalist for a new flag had been selected, almost 57 percent of Kiwis opted to keep their old flag.

New Zealanders have chosen a silver fern on a black-and-blue background as their preferred option if the South Pacific nation decides to dump Britain's Union Jack from it national banner, officials said today.

New Zealanders began voting today to select a potential new flag, as the South Pacific country considers dropping Britain's Union Jack from its national banner.

Prime Minister John Key conceded today he faces a challenge persuading New Zealanders to change the national flag in a referendum after an opinion poll found overwhelming support for the existing banner.

New Zealand will hold a binding referendum in 2016 on changing the national flag, with Prime Minister John Key hoping to drop the current design featuring Britain's Union Jack in favour of a silver fern.

New Zealand Prime Minister John Key said Monday he would press ahead with plans to hold a referendum to change the national flag following his election triumph.

That was an awkward discovery for then-Prime Minister John Key, who had pumped the time and money into a design competition for a new flag and a referendum on choosing one. But in 2016, after a finalist for a new flag had been selected, almost 57 percent of Kiwis opted to keep their old flag.

New Zealanders have chosen a silver fern on a black-and-blue background as their preferred option if the South Pacific nation decides to dump Britain's Union Jack from it national banner, officials said today.

New Zealanders began voting today to select a potential new flag, as the South Pacific country considers dropping Britain's Union Jack from its national banner.

Prime Minister John Key conceded today he faces a challenge persuading New Zealanders to change the national flag in a referendum after an opinion poll found overwhelming support for the existing banner.

New Zealand will hold a binding referendum in 2016 on changing the national flag, with Prime Minister John Key hoping to drop the current design featuring Britain's Union Jack in favour of a silver fern.

New Zealand Prime Minister John Key said Monday he would press ahead with plans to hold a referendum to change the national flag following his election triumph.