Flag referendum: last chance for papers

The New Zealand flag and the contender flying at Baycourt in Tauranga. Photo/file

Voting packs for the second referendum on the New Zealand flag should now be in the hands of all enrolled voters nationwide.

"If you're enrolled and your paper hasn't yet arrived, get in touch now to request a replacement paper," said Robert Peden, chief electoral officer.

"You can also request a replacement paper if you have spoiled, destroyed or lost your original."

Voting in the second referendum is simple, and clear instructions are included in the voting pack.

"Just follow the instructions and tick the box next to the flag you want to be the New Zealand flag," said Mr Peden.

Replacement voting papers are available at www.elections.org.nz/. For more information about replacement papers, call 0800 36 76 56 (from within New Zealand) or +64 9 909 4182 (from overseas).

"Replacement papers can only be issued until Monday 21 March, so if you haven't received your paper, contact us right away," said Mr Peden.

"We want to make sure no enrolled voters miss out on the chance to have their say."

Only people who were correctly enrolled by March 2, 2016 are eligible to vote in the referendum.

Voting closes on March 24, and the Commission encourages voters to post their voting papers back by Monday, March 21 to make sure they arrive in time.

More information about voting in the referendum is available at 0800 36 76 56 and at www.elections.org.nz/flag.