New Zealand

NZ flag result - how it happened

22:44 pm on 24 March 2016

New Zealanders have voted to keep the country's existing flag, in an historic referendum. Look back at Megan Whelan's blog of the result and reaction.

Key points

  • Preliminary results show 56.6 percent voted for New Zealand's existing flag and 43.2 percent for Kyle Lockwood's alternative design, with turnout of 67.3 percent.
  • Prime Minister John Key says he is disappointed but accepts the result, and will not hold another referendum during his time in office.
  • Labour leader Andrew Little says the country should discuss whether to become a republic before any new flag referendum.
  • The official results will follow on 30 March.

Watch Prime Minister John Key's reaction to the results: