New Zealand’s Flag Debate: One of These Things is Too Much Like the Other

By James Hurndell

Shortly after New Zealand’s 2014 general elections, Prime Minister John Key announced he would follow through on a pre-election pledge to hold a referendum on whether to change the national flag. Opponents of the current flag argue that it does not represent New Zealand’s distinct national identity, including that of its Māori citizens, while supporters insist that it has stood the test of time. We explore the history of this debate and the future of the New Zealand flag:

Graphic prepared by James Hurndell, researcher with the Pacific Partners Initiative at CSIS.

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