But Key’s critics pointed to the vast cost of the referendums – $17.6 million (NZ$26M) – and a lack of general support for changing the flag among the general public. 43.3% were in favour of changing the flag to the Lockwood design. The total cost of the referendum on the flag was $21.8 million, less than the $25.7 million budgeted. They were paid a total of $162,000 in fees, spent $88,000 on travel, $24,000 on catering and $10,000 on miscellaneous costs. Andrew Little: John Key's flag has cost New Zealand $26m. The original 1834 design for the flag of the United Tribes of New Zealand, currently used as a flag by Maori groups in New Zealand. Andrew Little: "Personally, I would like a new flag, if … When John Key referred to a referendum as “… a complete and utter waste of money because it’s just about sending a message”, he was not referring to his much-beloved pet-project, the $29 million flag referendum.. * Flag referendum results: Kiwis vote to retain the current New Zealand flag * 12 things the flag process got very wrong The cost of the two referenda was $26 million. The figures show Parliament's decision to add Red Peak as one of the alternative flags after public pressure cost an extra $263,000, largely in the costs of reprinting brochures and advertising material to include it. Forty-three per cent voted for the Kyle Lockwood design alternative. • Flag Consideration Panel members' fees/travel etc: $284,000, • Roadshow and other public meetings: $200,000, • Ministry of Justice policy/advice etc: $330,000, Key still popular despite flag defeat: poll, PM says no to idea of a former politician as next Gov Gen, Otago lead contamination: 'We're pretty bloody angry', Breaking the cycle: Domestic abuser turns life around with tikanga course, 'Heart wrenching': Massive fire at school - classrooms, staffroom destroyed, Business Insider: Greg Foran's year ahead: Dealing with an image problem. New Zealand votes to keep flag in referendum. Posted on October 30, 2020 3:39 PM. Another reason given for change is that we no longer feel so close to Britain. Those roadshow meetings cost $200,000, including the cost of venue hire, catering, staff and rental vehicles. The New Zealand flag referendum cost $26 million. The other significant cost was the public consultation period, which came in at $6.7 million. NZ Government The five flag finalists were criticised as being uninspiring The entire exercise is expected to cost around NZ$27m (£12m, $18m). Postal voting took place over two referendums, one in end-2015 to decide a potential new flag, and the other in March 2016 to decide whether to change the flag; Final potential new flag was a black, white and blue design with a silver fern, by Kyle Lockwood; Total cost of exercise came up to NZ$26m ($17m, £12m) 24 Mar, 2016 10:12pm. Flag referendum results: Kiwis vote to retain the current New Zealand flag John Edens, Jack van Beynen, Rosanna Price and Alice Peacock 22:53, Mar 24 2016 Facebook Shortly after the referendum announcement, party leaders reviewed draft legislation and selected candidates for a Flag Consideration Panel. And what else could the Government do with $26 million? ... over the cost … The first referendum cost $9 million and the second cost $6 million. The next largest cost was the cost of public advertising and communication about the flag change process at about $4 million. The first referendum, which gets underway on November 20 and will determine which of five flags is the most popular alternative, is set to cost tax-payers $10.3 million. Panel chair, Professor John Burrows, was paid $22,000 and the report noted many panellists, especially Professor Burrows, had not charged for a significant amount of their time. The referendum process, estimated to cost just under $NZ26m ($A25m), will include a two-step postal vote. John Key says that's the price of democracy - and Greens co During World War II, Prime Minister Peter Fraser received suggestions to include a Māori emblem on the flag. 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