WELLINGTON, New Zealand – New Zealand will hold two national votes over the next two years to determine whether it will change its flag.
The government of the South Pacific nation revealed its timetable Wednesday for a referendum on the national symbol. Next year, voters will choose their favourite alternative flag from among several options. In 2016, they’ll vote on whether the alternative that wins should replace the current flag.
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Some in New Zealand consider the current flag to be an unwanted relic from a colonial past and too similar to Australia’s flag. Others, including many combat veterans, feel a deep attachment to it.
The current flag features the Southern Cross star constellation in the field and Britain’s Union Jack in the canton, or top left corner.
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