The BBC has a report from New Zealand about flag confusion:
Well-known New Zealanders are adding to calls to change the New Zealand flag (photo, above), saying it is often confused with the Australian flag (photo, top).
Prime Minister John Key has indicated a referendum on changing the flag could be held at the same time as this year's election.
The idea has gained support from former Governor-General Dame Catherine Tizzard: "Our flag and the Australian flag is so often confused for one another and the symbolism of our flag is a bit out-dated," she says.
Phoenix and All Whites footballer Ben Sigmund agrees the trans-Tasman flags are too alike. "Our flag is too much like the Australian flag so, John Key, I think you should change it, mate."
Key has said changing the flag is a constitutional issue and, while the Government could just make a change, it wouldn't do so without a referendum. The referendum would offer New Zealanders the choice of the current flag, or an alternative chosen by the Government. He says he is going to talk to senior ministers but the issue is likely to be 'parked'. "I'm not of the view it's likely to become a referendum at this election," he told reporters outside a plastic recycling plant in Lower Hutt. He says the public is probably split 50-50 and it is good to have a debate about the issue. "If you'd asked the question right after the Rugby World Cup, it might have been more 60/40 in favor."
UnitedFuture leader Peter Dunne is supporting the possibility of a referendum, saying he would like to see the Union Jack removed.
Mana leader Hone Harawira and NZ First leader Winston Peters also said they would support a change, while Maori party co-leader Tariana Turia said she wasn't opposed to the idea.
However, ACT Leader John Banks has rejected the idea. "Men fought under that flag and many sacrificed their lives," says Banks. "I'm a bit old fashioned. I don't want the name of the country changed, just the flag changed."
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