New Zealand’s Government Releases The Final Design Of Country’s New National Flag

New Zealand has confirmed its preferred alternative flag after the first referendum resulted in a tight race between two ferns. Followed closely by vexillology enthusiasts around the world, the referendum could be a stepping stone towards a historical event.

A second referendum will be held between March 3 and 24, to decide whether to adopt the new flag or keep the current one. The results of this referendum will be binding.

The total votes received were 1,546,734, which included 149,747 informal votes (9.7 per cent) and 3372 invalid votes (0.22 per cent). Voter turnout was 48.78 per cent.

New Zealand is in the closing stages of replacing its colonial-era flag with something a little more modern. There were five options to choose from. Four shortlisted designs were announced by the Flag Consideration Panel in September.