Saturday, 18 July 2015

Studio B: Flag Referendum Brainstorm Summary

The Flag Referendum

brainstorm summary

For change:

  • Not  unique enough flag, similar to at least 100 flags (in terms of Southern Cross/Union Jack)
  • Current flag a salute to british imperialism, to the point of being cringeworthy/insulting
  • Flag change will be necessary if NZ becomes a republic
  • Need something to accurately reflect who we are as a nation
  • As innocuous as Australian flag
  • A change actually enhances soldiers sacrifice fighting for symbols of colonial power
  • Treaty recognises the rights of two societies that coexist. Our flag should reflect this
  • $26 million already invested in the change
  • Getting that money back isn't an option, will be 'wasted' elsewhere
  • Current Flag is not multi-cultural in the slightest, considering how multicultural NZ is
  • Current gives NZ little uniqueness, other countries already mistake us with Australia, change will embrace a new identity
  • Flag change will be necessary anyway if NZ becomes a republic
  • Became a Dominion in 1907
  • Became independent in 1947
  • First time New Zealand as a people have a say in flag change
  • Current flag is a bit of an eyesore

Against change:

  • Sentimental reasons, sharing a common heritage with Australia. Some NZers like this brotherly connection.
  • 'Flight of Fancy'
  • $26 Million seems outrageously high for a referendum, public annoyed at not seeing costs reflecting this budget
  • Money should be spent elsewhere, Public transport, schooling, housing, education etc
  • Soldiers fought under current flag
  • Rather insulting and bad timing with 100 year ANZAC memorial
  • Contradicting
  • Referendum a distraction for more serious matters?
  • A vote against change is a vote against political cynicism
  • Cronyism
  • Many New Zealanders 'allergic' to change, could disrupt and be unsettling for some
  • Does represent and reflect New Zealand's history like it or not
  • Theoretically no flag could represent our history
  • Can't impress everyone, change for the flag may not be an improvement
  • Flag becomes a brand, a change is a big deal and feels like isn't being dealt with seriously enough
  • changed flag could be resented & a dissasociation or rebellion could happen

No comments:

Post a Comment