27 Feb 2015

Flag panel's first job is to consult public

10:33 am on 27 February 2015

The chair of the panel assigned to consider a new flag design says it will consult the public extensively as it narrows down the options.

The New Zealand and Tino Rangatiratanga flags flying in Wellington.

The New Zealand and Tino Rangatiratanga flags flying in Wellington. Photo: RNZ / Alexander Robertson

The Government has appointed 12 people to the Flag Consideration Panel which will consider designs submitted by the public.

It includes Olympian Beatrice Faumuina, former All Blacks captain Sir Brian Lochore and former head of the Defence Force, Rhys Jones.

It is chaired by University of Canterbury Emeritus Professor John Burrows who said its first job would be public engagement.

"We're going to have to use the media a lot of course, there will certainly be meetings where panel members will talk to members of the public.

"And I see in our terms of instructions that there's even mention of a roadshow and things like that.

"So we will be doing all we can, everything within our power in fact to talk to as many people as possible."

The panel will hold its first meeting next month.

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