S: Again, I would pick none of them.  I will be voting not to change our flag.  I believe it is important to keep the significant Union Jack on our flag because without our British Ancestors, New Zealand wouldn’t be the nation that it is today – this Union Jack signifies our allegiance to and association with the Crown. The southern cross represents how both our Maori Ancestors and European Ancestors found our land - why take that away from our identity. There is no changing the fact that New Zealand was a colony of the British Empire – it’s a proud part of our history and is reflected in our flag just as the southern cross represents our Maori history.
R: What is your message to all fellow New Zealanders? Thank you Sammi!
S: Although I do not want the flag to be changed, I believe in democracy.  If the majority of New Zealand wants to change the flag – then so be it.  I would dearly love to see a Maori take on our current flag if it had to be changed.  I have attached a picture of one of my more favoured entries to the competition!
I suppose my message would be, ‘instead of reinventing an image and identity for a country renowned around the world, why not celebrate the rich history and pride behind the flag that we have always fought for – on the rugby field, in the court house, on the battle field.’
The most disappointing aspect of this whole debacle has been the fact that this competition and referendum is costing the country $26 million.  There are so many more important aspects of Kiwi’s lives that could and can be enriched with this amount of money – education, child poverty, domestic abuse to name just a few.  A referendum on a flag will change no one’s life; it won’t feed anybody and all it does is make a mockery of New Zealand’s priorities.
Thank you, Sammi!
Anyway, to choose a new identity or symbol for one country, is not actually an easy job, though it might looks so. What actually New Zealand do is really distinct, and let us see what will happen next with this pros and cons.
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Follow Ms. Sammi Curtis via Twitter on @sammi_curtis
Also follow my instagram @schmidtram and we will openly discuss this issue, in political perspective.
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