Meads urges New Zealanders to speak up about the flag

All Black legend Colin Meads is urging New Zealanders to take action and sign the petition for a referendum asking "should the design of the New Zealand flag be changed?"

The campaign run by www.nzflag.com needs to collect 300,000 signatures for the Government to hold a referendum on the issue.

Meads joins a host of other well-known Kiwis who are supporting the www.nzflag.com petition for a referendum for change. His support comes at a time New Zealand patriotism is riding high during the current series against the Lions.

"I'm a big supporter of New Zealanders flying a flag that we can call our own."

"Kiwis or silver ferns are possible choices. As a former New Zealand International I find it frustrating when people confuse our flag with Australia's. I like the unity of patriotic support which the South African flag has brought that country. I think New Zealand needs the same."

Meads' support is a welcome boost for the campaign. The NZflag.com Trust says New Zealanders support change but are generally apathetic in their actions.

"Polling has consistently shown there is more than 50% support for change, but signing the petition requires people to make an effort. People actually need to sign the petition to make a difference," said campaign spokesperson, Jo Coughlan.

Meads believes any change would have to have the support of the majority of New Zealanders and likes the referendum process because it gives Kiwis the chance to have their say.

Telecom shares this view and is getting behind the campaign through moves such as having petition forms on hand in the Telecom bunkers at Lions' matches.

"The tour is stirring up a lot of Kiwi pride so it's a great time for people to be thinking about the flag," said Telecom Chief Executive Theresa Gattung. "As a New Zealand company we want to do our bit to help people have their say."

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