March 02, 2015
Maori support picked for flag change
A member of the panel consulting on change is picking Maori to be in favour of a change.
Massey University researcher Malcolm Mulholland says the exercise will be the first time the public has been consulted on the nation’s main symbol.
The current ensign was designed in 1869 during a meeting between Governor George Bowen and British Admiral Sir Albert Hastings Markham.
Mr Mulholland says Maori have been through the process of picking an official Maori flag.
" When Maori were asked which flag did they want to represent them, the blue ensign, our current New Zealand flag was put up as an option. And I think somewhere between 80-90 per cent of Maori said 'no', they didn't feel that represented Maori interests. So in terms of gauging where Maori are at, I'm picking that some of that sentiment may spill into this process in this debate. And I wouldn't be at all surprised if Maori actually wanted change " he says.
Malcolm Mulholland says anyone including Maori is free to make suggestions on a flag design, with the panel choosing four to put to a first referendum.
The winner of that vote will then be matched up against the current flag in a second and binding referendum.
FOR THE FULL INTERVIEW WITH MALCOLM MULLHOLLAND CLICK ON THE LINK
http://www.waateanews.com/play_podcast?podlink=MjY3NTQ=
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