The NZ Flag Shouldn’t Be Changed
The NZ flag, also known as the Union flag, has been our national flag since 1902. Now, 113
years on, the government has decided to go with the small group of New Zealanders and are going to change our flag. Personally I think the NZ flag shouldn’t be changed. It is a waste of 26 million dollars, all to change something that holds memories to be proud of, with a design that tells a story which defines us as a nation.
Our flag is one of many things that makes us a kiwi. 26 million dollars could be put to something in need like poverty. I believe the government need to realise that 26 million dollars is a lot of money, and people living on the streets, in the cold, every night, wish they just had enough money to get shelter. What I don’t get is how they are going to agree on a minimal number of flags to be able to vote - I mean there’s so many flags. And if they don’t vote it will be hard. If everyone wants their flag, or doesn’t want it changed, the government is going to have heaps of protesters on their doorstep, and I seriously think that if they do change it it won't last long.
The NZ flag was designed by Albert Hastings Markham in 1869, but it didn’t get changed to the national flag until 1902. In 1869, Sir George Bowen directed that the Southern Cross replace “NZ” on the Blue Ensign.The Southern Cross was represented by four five-pointed red stars with white borders to correspond with the colours of the Union Jack.
The New Zealand flag should not be changed or modified. People just think it looks like the Australian flag so we should change it. The Australian flag has five stars with seven points, & the NZ flag has four stars with five points. Soldiers have fought through war with the NZ flag, & changing it would be deleting special history. Our flag has represented sports like olympics and it is flown at Gallipoli in memory of all the people who fought for NZ. If we change the New Zealand flag then it is just going to cause more problems because whatever way they do it, there is still going to be people who disagree & that could lead to huge arguments.
New Zealand’s flag is special to the NZ people, and what is the point of changing it anyway, because if you look closely you can see that there is a difference in the Australian flag and the New Zealand by looking at the stars. Many people believe that we should change the flag, but then how will we agree what flag we should change it to?
Why don’t we change Australia’s flag instead? Why ours? Australia will probably just sit back and watch us argue over which flag to have. We have our own flag, which makes us unique, so why change it? The NZ flag is a special part of history, we’ve had it wherever we went, and now they want to change it? Modifying it is no different, why do we need to? There is nothing wrong with our flag, it is actually quite nice. People overreact with the flag, but to stop all the problems they should just keep the flag. Some people want the Maori flag as our national flag. Although it belongs in New Zealand it wouldn’t feel like my flag, because it shows pride in being Maori. The New Zealand flag is the symbol of the realm, government and people of New Zealand. Its royal blue background is derived from the ensign of the Blue Squadron of the royal navy. The stars of the Southern Cross emphasises this country's location in the South Pacific Ocean. The Union Jack in the first quarter recognises NZ’s historical origins as a British colony and dominion.
In conclusion I believe the NZ flag shouldn’t be changed, because it would be a waste of 26 million dollars just to change a flag. The government is making the wrong decision to change it, I believe. It is an important matter, so hopefully you agree with me. .
