Phil Goff – 
Changing our flag has become a controversial issue, not just about whether the flag should be changed but also about the process followed by the Government in trying to bring that change about.
For many New Zealanders, whether or not we change our flag is not even close to being one of the important issues of the day. A great many do not want to change the flag that New Zealanders have fought and died under and has been their symbol of national pride at international events and contests.
Conflicting views
Others believe that in the 21st Century, New Zealand needs a flag that better reflects it as a modern and independent country.
My personal preference would be for a new flag, but that change needs to be based on widespread support for an alternative design.
There is no rush for change and we should take our time to get it right and to ensure that New Zealanders can join behind whatever decision is made.
Wrong process
At the moment, the only real consensus seems to be that the government has got the process wrong and has embarked on an extravagantly expensive way of testing public opinion.
The Government proposes two separate referenda, with one choosing between four alternative designs and the second asking there is a need to change the flag.
The order seems wrong. The first question should surely be whether we want to change the flag at all. If the answer to that is no, why would we waste further time, effort and money on what the alternative may be.
The cost of the process is estimated at $26 million. It is expensive because the proposal is for two stand-alone postal ballots.
The obvious question to the Government is why they do not simply put the referendum questions into one ballot coinciding with Election Day.
Major advantages
That has two big advantages. First, it is hugely cheaper because people are going out to vote anyway and no separate electoral machinery has to be set up.
Secondly, and just as importantly, there will be a much larger turnout – around 80% of the population rather than the expected 30% or so in a separate postal ballot.
For any referendum to carry weight, it needs to involve the participation of most of the population.
Referendum needed
I have put the question of why the referendum is not held off to the 2017 General Election in several debates in Parliament.
The Government has never attempted to answer the question.
Only one referendum is needed, in two parts. Do you want to change the flag, and if a majority do, which of the four alternative flags do you prefer?
I agree with a referendum because the people, not the politicians, should be making the decision. However, the above alternative proposal is a much more sensible and less expensive way to go about it than the Government’s proposal.
Prime Minister John Key has made two other mistakes. One was in his timing to launch the legislation for the referenda, which coincided with centennial commemorations of the start of World War I.
Veterans felt that was insensitive, and an affront to the memory of those who died. Secondly, the impression was given that this was about Mr Key himself and not the nation, which created partisan division.
Sadly, because of the mistakes made it is likely that we will go through a costly process that in the end will result in no change.
Those who supported a change will see this as a lost opportunity. Those who opposed it will see it as a waste of $26 million of their taxpayer money.
Phil Goff is former Foreign Affairs, Trade and Justice Minister and has been Member of Parliament for almost 35 years. Elected from Mt Roskill, he is today Labour Party’s Spokesperson for Ethnic Affairs and Auckland Issues.
