By ANNA SAUNDERS
26 January 2005
If you struggle to spot the difference between Australia's flag and New Zealand's, then you're in good company.
Sports commentator Keith Quinn - who has seen more flags than most - admits he has had trouble identifying our flag at trans-Tasman matches, and businessman Lloyd Morrison reckons he could not describe the differences without sneaking a peak.
They were among well-known New Zealanders who gathered at Parliament yesterday to launch a petition to hold a referendum on changing the flag.
The campaign, led by Mr Morrison, aims to collect 300,000 signatures by May.
He said volunteers would be on the streets throughout New Zealand taking signatures.
It would be a tough task, which would open the door to discussion over becoming a republic, he said.
Six flags were on display during the launch, as the group is not promoting a specific replacement flag.
New Zealand Exchange chief executive Mark Weldon was very enthusiastic about one of the flags on display - a black and white design by Southland student Stacy Shaw.
He hoped to hang it outside the exchange's new Odlins premises in Wellington, instead of the official New Zealand flag.
Black Seeds lead singer Barnaby Weir said yesterday that he doubted that many young people could tell the difference between the New Zealand and Australian flags.
"I don't think the (New Zealand) flag represents us.
"It's important to include Pacific Island and Maori cultures in it as well."
The Dominion Post
© Fairfax New Zealand Limited 2005