Merepeka: Flag debate wasn't my scene

Merepeka Raukawa-Tait now thinks she should have voted.

I have great friends whom I value. They come from various backgrounds, are positive people and get on with life. Like me they have an opinion on most things. Our conversations are lively, often ending up in full scale debates. They are loyal, not at all pretentious and call things as they see them. My life is enriched by knowing them. But last week many of my friends told me they were disappointed in me.

Why ask the question and then get upset when I give my answer. No I did not want to see a change to our national flag. "So you voted to keep our current flag"? "No I didn't vote". I think it was admitting to not voting that set them off.

The whole flag debate didn't grab me at all. It dragged on too long. I wasn't inspired by the selection put to us to choose from either. And it isn't something I see as a priority at this time. As I usually vote on everything and anything, I am myself rather surprised I didn't want to engage in the referendum process. I got used to referendums when I lived in Switzerland. We voted on most things, not just major issues. I remember it being quite a slow, laborious consuming process. Nobody seemed to get upset when things didn't go their way. It was accepted a thorough case had been put forward, and the outcome had majority support.

There are lessons from the referendum for the Government. I think timing and how the process is undertaken is important. With the flag referendum the push for change came from "top down" - the Prime Minister, rather than critical mass support from the "people up". That's why I was disinclined to participate. I don't like it when someone does my thinking for me. But I believe now I made the wrong decision. I should have voted. I got the result I wanted by default. 1,208,702 citizens voted to retain the flag. They carried it for me. Their vote counted as indeed did everyone's vote. Voter turnout was 67.8 per cent, which I do find quite high.

My friends were quick to remind me there are still countries today where people are fighting, and dying, attempting to have democratic elections introduced by their governments. Would they have missed a chance to vote, on anything? I think not. I was told an opportunity to vote should not be squandered.

I believe our flag will change one day. Probably when Queen Elizabeth dies. That we'll see constitutional reform then too. This is what I would prefer the Government started working on. Successive governments have looked at it but it's been relegated to the "too hard" basket. So nothing will change there in the foreseeable future. The low turnout by Maori, only 48.2 per cent bothered to vote, would suggest the flag debate didn't light their fire either. But of those who did vote, 74.9 per cent voted to retain our current flag. They have always wanted constitutional reform and evolution. Making changes and modifications where necessary. None of this piece-meal, looking at symbols of nationhood only, approach to addressing national identity.

As to the silver fern. Yes, we know it is recognised in sports stadiums around the world where New Zealanders compete successfully. But surely New Zealand is not defined solely by our sporting successes. I hope not. We are much more than that.

I read the articles the NZ Herald is running about successful CEOs. New Zealanders who have made it good overseas. Highly competent with the expertise to run major corporations and companies, now returning home to take New Zealand businesses to greater heights. They have put us on the map, too, with their success in the business world.

When we eventually change our flag, I'd like to think it will reflect something of our history. But have appeal for future generations too. A flag that will inspire us because of our mix of successes in many areas, including sports, business and the arts. How a flag captures some of that, I have no idea. Pride of place, our place, must be reflected in any new flag. It's just a question of time.

- Merepeka lives in Rotorua. She writes, speaks and broadcasts to thwart the spread of political correctness.