November flag referendum

The final four options for a new flag have been released and three feature a silver fern, including two by designer Kyle Lockwood.

The Flag Consideration Panel unveiled the shortlisted designs at Te Papa in Wellington yesterday morning. The four flags include Kyle Lockwood's design in two colour schemes.

The silver fern is Prime Minister John Key's favourite symbol and All Blacks captain Richie McCaw has also spoken in favour of it. Other successful designs included Silver Fern Black and White, by Alofi Kanter from Auckland, and Koru, by Andrew Fyfe from Wellington.

The panel released a longlist of 40 flags in August for public feedback. Experts selected the shortlist based on submissions.

The public will rank the four designs in order of preference in a referendum in November. The preferred alternative will go up against the current flag at a second referendum next March.

Flag Minister Bill English said there had been much debate about the level of engagement in the flag after low turnout to public meetings but he believed most of it was driven by social media.

He said the panel that selected the shortlist was independent and the four designs were confirmed by Cabinet yesterday. He said it was now up to voters to make the final decision.

What do you think? Do you like the options? Do you want a falg change or not? Write to the editor and share your view.