DHAKA: New Zealanders have begun voting in the second stage of a referendum on whether to change their national flag.

They have until 24 March to send in a postal ballot choosing between the current flag and an alternative called Silver Fern, which won a previous vote, reports the BBC.

The exercise has been controversial with many criticizing the hefty price tag and shortlisted designs.

PM John Key says the current one looks too similar to Australia’s and it is time to remove the Union Flag emblem.

The alternative design, Silver Fern (Black, White and Blue), was designed by architect Kyle Lockwood.

It won the first referendum in December, where New Zealanders could choose which of five designs they would want if the flag were to change.

About 1.5 million votes were cast in that referendum.

This time, they are deciding whether they want to abandon the current flag, which was adopted in 1902 and bears the British Union Flag, in favor of Silver Fern.

BDST: 1348 HRS, MAR 03, 2016
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