The chair of the panel assigned to consider a new flag design says the decision-making process will be fair and neutral.
New Zealand flag. Photo: RNZ / Alexander Robertson
The Flag Consideration Panel has released an information document which it said addressed the most common questions asked by the public.
The panel has been tasked with overseeing the first step of the process, culminating in a referendum in which the public will be asked to choose between alternatives to the current flag.
A second referendum will then be held to decide between the current flag and the most favoured alternative.
Panel chair John Burrows said the most common misconception was that a decision has already been made to change the flag.
"We have terms of reference from the government, and one is that there is no presumption of change. Our objective is to get people talking about it.
"There's no pressure in any direction; we are committed to being neutral."
The full document is available here.