This Supplementary Order Paper inserts new clause 10A into the Bill, which provides that the second referendum to choose a new flag for New Zealand should only take place if at least 50% of those entitled to vote in the first referendum do so.

Any decision to change the flag has to be taken with the majority of New Zealanders behind it. If fewer than half of New Zealand voters register an opinion in the first referendum, a change would not have the majority support that is essential for our national flag to be truly representative of our country.

This provision would also mean that further taxpayers’ money would not be wasted on a second referendum when less than half the voters did not think it important enough to vote in the first.