2015–16 New Zealand flag referendums 2015–16 New Zealand flag referendums Two New Zealand flag referendums were held by the New Zealand government in November/December 2015 and March 2016 and resulted in the retention of the current flag of New Zealand. The first referendum to determine the preferred alternative flag took place between 20 November and 11 December 2015 and asked, "If the New Zealand flag changes, which flag would you prefer?" Results show the black, white, and blue Silver fern flag by Kyle Lockwood advancing to the second referendum. The second referendum took place between 3 and 24 March 2016 and asked voters to choose
Flag of New Zealand incorporating the Southern Cross, was approved. It was initially used only on government ships, but was adopted as the "de facto" national flag. To end confusion between various designs of the flag, the Liberal Government passed the New Zealand Ensign Act 1901, which was approved by King Edward VII on 24 March 1902.. One of the first recorded accounts of the New Zealand Blue Ensign flag being flown in battle was at Quinn's Post, Gallipoli, in 1915. It was not, however, flown officially. The flag was brought back to New Zealand by Private John Taylor, Canterbury Battalion. The first time