Second flag referendum just weeks away

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

The second referendum on the New Zealand flag is just a few weeks away.

With the referendum taking place form March 3 until March 24, the Electoral Commission wants to ensure all eligible New Zealanders are enrolled and ready to vote.

Robert Peden, chief electoral officer, said voting papers for the second referendum would be sent out by post, so it was important to make sure enrolment details were up to date.

"If you've moved house, or if you were expecting a voting paper for the first referendum and didn't get one, or if you're not sure you are enrolled at all - now is the time to check."

Voters will be asked to choose between the current New Zealand flag and the preferred alternative design selected in the first referendum in late 2015. The flag that receives the most votes in the second referendum will be the official flag of New Zealand.

Only those who are enrolled by March 2 will be able to vote in the second referendum.

"People need to make sure that they are enrolled and that their details are up to date now, as only those enrolled before voting begins will receive a voting paper," Mr Peden said.

"Check your details now - it's easy. You can do it at www.elections.org.nz or by calling 0800 36 76 56. And if you're not enrolled, you need to do it now."

Enrolment forms are available from www.elections.org.nz, freephone 0800 36 76 56, by Freetexting your name and address to 3676, or at any PostShop.