Andrew Little
Opposition Leader

15 September 2015

Labour to table new flag referendum bill

Labour will this week table a bill in Parliament including both Red Peak and a Yes/No question in the first flag referendum, Opposition Leader Andrew Little says.

“John Key has responded to public pressure over the final flags chosen – now it’s time to also hear those who want to vote no in the first referendum.

“Labour’s bill, which we will seek cross party support for this week, will provide a meaningful referendum that all New Zealanders can have confidence in. Whether you want to keep the current flag, vote for Red Peak, a fern or the koru, this bill will allow all views to be heard.

“Then, if more than half the country votes for some kind of change, the second referendum will put the winning new design up against the current New Zealand flag.

“What we don’t want to happen is for two referendums at enormous cost to take place, and for New Zealanders to feel cheated by the whole process. Labour has disagreed with the timing of the flag change and the process was botched from the beginning but there is still time to make this right.

“Come on John Key: you’ve opened the door to more choice. Now let’s make this a referendum where everyone has something to vote for.

“Say yes to adding Red Peak and give New Zealanders the chance to choose the current flag in the first referendum,” Andrew Little says.

ENDS

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