Here’s a quick update on recent discussions about the New Zealand and Australia flags.
- There have been periodic discussions about flag changes in both countries, particularly around New Zealand’s 2016 referendum which ultimately kept the silver fern flag, and ongoing conversations about whether Australia might consider a change. However, as of 2024–2026, Australia has not adopted a new flag and maintains the current design with the Union Jack.[1][2][3]
If you want, I can pull latest news from reputable sources and summarize any new developments, or track any official government statements on flag symbolism and referendums.
Sources
New Zealand's acting Prime Minister Winston Peters has accused Australia of copying his country's flag, telling its neighbor to get its own design.
www.10news.comNew Zealand's acting prime minister wants Australia to come up with a new flag, claiming it copied New Zealand's. The Australian and New Zealand flags are often mixed up due to their similar appearance.
www.dw.comActing PM Winston Peters claims Australia stole New Zealand's design, saying that "we got there first" and "people are confused".
news.sky.comThat was an awkward discovery for then-Prime Minister John Key, who had pumped the time and money into a design competition for a new flag and a referendum on choosing one. But in 2016, after a finalist for a new flag had been selected, almost 57 percent of Kiwis opted to keep their old flag.
www.ndtv.comNew Zealand's acting Prime Minister Winston Peters has accused Australia of copying his country's flag, telling its neighbor to get its own design.
www.3newsnow.com“We had a flag that we’ve had for a long time, copied by Australia.”
www.sbs.com.auThe resemblance between the two countries' flags is undeniable.
globalnews.caAustralian MP saying it is 'disrespectful' to discuss a change in the lead-up to the centenary of the Gallipoli landing
www.telegraph.co.ukNew Zealanders are set to go to the polls to vote on a new flag - prompting calls for Australia to do the same.
www.abc.net.au