New Zealanders will soon vote whether to keep the current flag, left, or the silver fern on a blue and black background flag, in the upcoming referendum. These flags are flying atop Forum North, in Whangarei. Photo / Mike Dinsdale
New Zealanders will soon vote whether to keep the current flag, left, or the silver fern on a blue and black background flag, in the upcoming referendum. These flags are flying atop Forum North, in Whangarei. Photo / Mike Dinsdale
The second referendum on the New Zealand flag is just a few weeks away, and the Electoral Commission wants to ensure all eligible New Zealanders are enrolled and ready to vote.
The referendum runs from March 3-24 when voters will be asked to choose between the current New Zealand flagand 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.
"Voting papers for the second referendum will be sent out by post, so it's very important to make sure your enrolment details are up to date," says Robert Peden, Chief Electoral Officer.
"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."
Only those enrolled by March 2 can vote. People can check that they are enrolled at www.elections.org.nz or by calling 0800 36 76 56. 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.
