Flag choices put on display

FLYING THE FLAG: New Zealand flag options on flagpoles at Genesis Recreation Centre, Masterton. PHOTO/LYNDA FERINGA

Two New Zealand flags accompany the five prospective designs flying at Masterton's Genesis Recreation Centre.

The flags were supplied to Masterton District Council for free at the end of October as part of the Flag Consideration Project.

Council spokesman Sam Rossiter-Stead said the flags were put up on Sunday to give people an opportunity to view them in time for the November 20 to December 11 referendum.

"We are happy to give people the opportunity to view the new flags and judge for themselves, as long as the existing flag forms part of the display," he said. "Council has not discussed the flag consideration project and has not taken a view on it."

Mayor Lyn Patterson said she hoped the choice to fly the flags would influence an informed decision in the referendum.

"There's a whole range of opinions about whether or not the flag should be changed and we want to give our residents the opportunity to see what the five proposed new designs look like," she said. "Hopefully it will stimulate plenty of interest so that the country can make an informed decision in the forthcoming referenda."

Enrolments for the first referendum to rank the five alternative flags close on Thursday, November 19.

Voters will choose between the existing flag and the alternative in the second referendum in March next year.

To update details or enrol go to www.elections.org.nz or freephone 0800 36 76 56.