Another Reason Not to Change NZ Flag – Peters
Rt Hon Winston Peters
New Zealand First Leader
Member of
Parliament for Northland
27 JANUARY 2016
Another Reason Not to Change NZ Flag – Peters
New Zealand’s current flag is likely to become unique now that Australian political leaders have signed to have their own head of state, rather than the British monarchy, says New Zealand First Leader and Member of Parliament for Northland Rt Hon Winston Peters.
“The inevitable result of the signing will be Australia changing its flag and when they do the argument that our flag is too like Australia’s will go out the window,” Mr Peters said in his State of the Nation speech, delivered at the Orewa Rotary Club.
“So why should we consider changing our flag when, in about four years, it will become unique as it once was, before Australia copied it?
“There was no problem, no serious public concern with the New Zealand flag – until John Key decided to manufacture an issue.
“That typifies arrogance and contempt for New Zealand’s history and values. It’s hypocritical. Mr Key brought back knighthoods and shamelessly tried to best friend the royal family yet wants the Union Jack gone.
“The Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull scrapped Tony Abbott’s policy of reintroducing Knights and Dames.
“But Mr Key wants a bob each way. He wants to scrap our national flag while keeping Knights and Dames.
“From the very outset we have never doubted our flag stance reflects the view of the majority of New Zealanders and we expect the common sense of New Zealanders will prevail.
“Most people recognize the extreme cost of the two referenda is money that could be well spent on more deserving projects.’’
ENDS