New Zealand Flag Referendum Raises Objections From War Veterans

The war veterans of New Zealand have requested Prime Minister John Key to delay the vote to change the country's flag until after the ANZAC Day in 2015. According to report by ABC, Mr Key wants to have a referendum on the flag in 2015, but New Zealand's Returned Services Association thinks the notion is insensitive and unnecessary.

The veterans' association was "shocked" to learn of Mr Key's plans. However, RSA Vice President BJ Clarke said that it there was a mandate to hold a vote, it would be an demonstration of democracy.

If the referendum will push through, the association wants it to be held after the commemoration and centenary celebration of ANZAC in 2015. Veterans think the significance of ANZAC's 100 years would be lost if New Zealand will change its flag before the commemoration day.

After winning his third term as prime minister, Mr Key had placed plans of changing the country's flag high on his agenda. He said in an interview that he would like to complete the whole process in 2015. The prime minister added that he is a "big supporter of change" but he anticipates the arguments that will come ahead of it.

Critics of New Zealand's existing flag argue that it can be easily mistaken for a flag of other former British colonies which also includes Australia. Mr Key said the country's current flag with the Union Jack and Southern Cross represent a colonial and post-colonial period.

He expressed his interest for New Zealand to have a flag with a more modern representation of the country. The prime minister preferred the flag to have a silver fern with a black background. The symbol is widely associated with the New Zealand's rugby union team, the All Blacks.

Clarke dismissed the argument that the flag was often confused for the Australian flag. He said people should be proud of history and not forget its significance. He doesn't think the flag should be changed since Australia, New Zealand and Britain fought together in the field. A previous poll showed 52 per cent of New Zealanders were satisfied with the current flag, while 40 percent considered a new one.