The Prime Minister has been too quick to rule out the addition of Aaron Dustin's Red Peak to the shortlisted flags that will be the subject of next month's first referendum. After pointing out that this would require a law change, John Key suggested Parliament had better things to do with its time.
Not if it wants to provide New Zealanders with genuine choice, and to inject a much-needed level of interest into the flag consideration process.
The selection panel erred when it included two of Kyle Lockwood's silver fern flags in the shortlisted four. They differ only slightly in colour. In effect, one of the options has been eliminated. The late addition of Red Peak, through a quick and uncomplicated legislative tweak, would resurrect the intended idea of choice.
The response to an online petition and much social media comment suggests it has enough support to warrant that. Many people obviously admire the strength and straightforwardness of its multi-coloured triangles.
