Prime Minister John Key has said he would like to see the New Zealand flag changed to a silver fern with a black background and would discuss with his cabinet colleagues whether to hold a referendum at the 2014 election.
He agreed it was not the most important issue before the electorate, but
"We'll have a discussion with our senior ministers, and say 'Is there any appetite to progress that?'. And if the answer's no then we'll park it up," Key told reporters in Wellington.
Government coalition partner, United Future leader and Internal Affairs Minister Peter Dunne, said he also favoured a change of flag and a referendum.
“Our flag must represent all New Zealanders and this election is a good time to ask whether it continues to do so or not,” Dunne said, adding he would like to remove the Union Jack from the existing flag.
Green Co-Leader Russel Norman said he wanted to see the flag changed, but said any change should be driven by the public at large, rather than cabinet.
Economic Development Minister Steven Joyce said he looked forward to a cabinet discussion on the issue.
Labour Internal Affairs spokesman Trevor Mallard said Labour supported suggestions about a referendum on the flag and "the time has come for a change."
“We changed our national anthem from ‘God Save the Queen’ on a gradual, optional basis and I think that process worked,” Mallard said, adding he supported the likes of the Returned Services Association being able to keep flying the current flag.
(Adds comments from ministers, others)
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