New Zealand Prime Minister plans referendum on whether to change the national flag

Published January 08, 2015

New Zealand Prime Minister John Key has announced plans for a referendum on whether to change the national flag.

He said in a speech Tuesday that he wants a nationwide vote held within the next three years.

The nation's current flag depicts the Southern Cross star constellation in red and includes Britain's Union Jack flag in the top left corner. Many complain the flag is too similar to Australia's and doesn't reflect New Zealand's independence from its former colonizer, Britain.

Some want to keep the flag while others debate the best possible replacement.

Key has said he favors a silver fern set against a black background. Opponents say that would associate the flag too much with sports teams, who often use it, and is too reminiscent of a pirate ensign.

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