A new flag? Yes, says Black Caps captain; No says Lady Hillary

Opinion

Four shortlisted flag designs will be put to the vote in November. The most popular design from that referendum will then go up against the current flag next March. Black Cap captain is for change, Lady June Hillary is against. Read their arguments below and then join the debate.

Yes - Brendon McCullum

I'd like to see a change of flag to be honest. I guess from a sportsman's point of view, the silver fern is something you're really proud of. I've got nothing against the flag as such, but I think we can make a really powerful statement worldwide and get a sense of patriotism by having a slightly tweaked flag.

When I got out in the MCG final and there was 90,000 people there I thought there were 70,000 flying the New Zealand flag. But it was actually the Australian flag.

I like the blue and black one [Kyle Lockwood's Silver Fern, Black, White and Blue]. You can almost imagine a lot of sporting uniforms - barring the All Blacks obviously - buying into it as well. I think it would be a powerful statement if we were to change it. That's my take. I understand the hesitancy towards it, but I had a look at the Prime Minister's speech the other day and I thought he addressed most of the concerns about it.

No - Lady June Hillary

I've got two things to say. One is, I love the flag we've got. I think it's a good design and still says everything about us that we are. [The Union Jack] is still our history, isn't it? And at my age, too, we still have a great feeling for the Queen. I think she's fantastic and she's doing such a good job.

But I understand there are people who do feel we need a change.

Second, I know the one I'd pick if there was a change. The red and blue one with the silver fern and Southern Cross. [Kyle Lockwood's Silver Fern, Red, White and Blue].

I like the mixture of the colours and I like the design. I thought it looked good.

I don't think I've got a good reason for it to be honest, because I was happy with what we have. But if we are going to have a change, I will enjoy that other one.