A small majority of voters has opted to stick with the old flag.
915,00843.2%
1,200,00356.6%
Informal Votes – 4,9420.2%
Total Valid Votes – 2,119,953100%
This is the preliminary result, the final result will be declared on March 30th.
That result is a lot closer than polls indicated but sadly, in my opinion, not close enough.
However, by the time you take people who voted for the staus quo because they didn’t like the alternative, the cost or the process, or for partisan political reasons, rather than genuinely voting for it, this shows there is a mood for change.
Homepaddock 
I agree with your summation, Ele. Perhaps if another attempt was made in the future, through a process that was non political, we may get to a consensus.
LikeLike
Non political? Dream on David.
LikeLike
I don’t think it is just dreaming to ask politicians to step back from the process and make it more about the design and symbolism then the personalities that can be roped by the Prime Minister to support his preferred option.
LikeLike
For many of us it WAS about design and symbolism. Politics is THAT important to you people? Forget it Dave, the chance is gone, the money spent, and opportunity lost. Enjoy your colonial flag. There are many sound reasons to change the flag, and as many to keep it, but to score a point!?
I’ll never understand the Left.
LikeLike
You make too many assumptions, Will, I do not support the colonial flag and I didn’t like the alternative either. I am hoping that we have an opportunity later where we don’t use sporting idols to influence voting and the discussion is really about nationhood and not commercial branding.
LikeLike
I do not support the colonial flag
No surprise there.
Judging by their regular treasonous utterances on NZ and its International allies, not many greens do.
LikeLike
NW, it is fascinating where our historical loyalties lie compared to today’s reality.
By 2030 New Zealand Europeans will be in the minority, the largest numbers of migrants are now from India and China (totaling 100,000 over the last 7 years), http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11405494 China is becoming our largest trading partner and donations from Chinses business people make up a significant amount of National’s campaign funds http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11405494
In terms of trade the US and UK are minor markets and when the Rainbow Warrior was bombed none of our Five Eyes allies supported us, especially the US and UK (even though New Zealanders have died in support of their wars).
I would love to know what you believe are treasonous utterances 😉
LikeLike