Winston Peters said Andrew Little was "on some sound ground" in describing the anthem as a 'dirge' which should be replaced. Photo / Sarah Ivey
Winston Peters said Andrew Little was "on some sound ground" in describing the anthem as a 'dirge' which should be replaced. Photo / Sarah Ivey
Labour leader Andrew Little has found a surprising ally for his call to change the national anthem in NZ First leader Winston Peters.
Mr Peters is strongly opposed to changing the flag but said Mr Little was "on some sound ground" in describing the anthem as a 'dirge' which shouldbe replaced.
The NZ First Party annual conference this weekend is due to open with the national anthem as it does every year. Apparently forgetting that, Mr Peters said it was a "funereal dirge" and the best test of an anthem was whether people sang it when they were happy, such as at a wedding, function or sport event. He had heard people singing the Flower of Scotland, and the Irish and the French anthems "in full flight." "But I've never heard anyone singing our anthem when they're happy."
Mr Peters dismissed Mr Little's preference of Advance Australia Fair. "The Aussie's is pretty bad as well." He did not know what it should be replaced with. "Something that is memorable, stirring, to do with where we are on the globe in the 21st century."
Despite the support on the anthem, Mr Peters took a swipe at Labour for its stance on the flag referendums bill after taking part on the committee that led to the referendums. Labour is opposing the referendums and has two amendments in to change it. Jacinda Ardern's amendment would scrap the second referendum if the turnout in the first one is lower than 50 per cent. Trevor Mallard's amendment would delay the entire process for another five years.
Mr Peters said NZ First was the only party that had refused to take part at all. "Every other party joined it. We are not going to have a situation where people are allowed to run with the hares and hunt with the hounds on such an important issue. You all know where NZ First stands. We are adamantly for the present flag. The other parties you talk about supports a change, don't they."
He refused to say if NZ First would support Labour's two amendments.
