This is a much superior process to that proposed by the Prime Minister when he first ventured into the area in late January. Then, he suggested senior ministers would select an alternative design. After more than a month of pondering, he has come up with a proposal that, in its thoroughness, should enjoy the support of all but the most fervent supporters of the present flag.
The Prime Minister deserves credit for withstanding the noisy resistance sparked by his initial foray. That is noteworthy because until now the Government has shown little interest in promoting issues of national identity. His predecessor, Helen Clark, was far more active, not least in introducing a new set of honours. But Mr Key is clearly determined to make his impact through a new flag. As much was emphasised during Tuesday's address at Victoria University when he characterised the present one as symbolising "a colonial and post-colonial era whose time has passed".
That is not to say that the Prime Minister is on the right track with his preference for a new flag - a silver fern on a black background, as displayed at many sporting events. That is tied too closely to the New Zealand Rugby Union. Mr Key may, however, be right that the silver fern, the symbol that adorns the gravestones of New Zealanders in Commonwealth War Graves overseas, will be a feature of a new flag. But so, too, may the kiwi, variations on the koru design or the Southern Cross.
The sacrifice of the service personnel interred in those graves will be a major argument raised by the opponents of change. They will talk of how these men and women fought and died for the present flag. Anything other than the Union Jack and Southern Cross would dishonour them. But whatever motivated these people to enlist and to fight bravely, it was not something as one-dimensional as a flag. Nor, as Mr Key suggested, should being respectful of our history lock us permanently in the past.
This country will have a new, more distinctive flag at some stage. The question is not if, but when. The Prime Minister has outlined a process that should get New Zealand there in good time and after a good deal of consideration and consultation.