National MP Marie Hasler, who promoted the idea of a silver fern national flag when she was Minister of Culture, was thrilled to learn that the Tourism sector is keen to promote a New Zealand flag bearing the silver fern internationally, she said today.

"The silver fern is unique, a true emblem of New Zealand, immediately recognisable, and I believe it would be acceptable to both Maori and Pakeha.

"It is our badge of representation in most endeavours, including sport and trade. Even our war graves at Gallipoli bear the fern emblem.

Ms Hasler said New Zealand was at last coming of age in identifying itself as independent, powerful and distinctive. A silver fern flag, rather than one with the Union Jack on it would reflect this.

"Many New Zealanders now find it difficult to accept our flag as one with the flag of another country within it.

"The Silver Fern is already a de facto flag for many New Zealanders. The fern is as readily identifiable as our emblem as the Maple Leaf is for Canada," she said.

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