text: way can't new zealand ( n.z.l.) git a new flag?   because the democratic system of new zealand has not given the people an opportunity to vote on the issue yet. if it did, then it is altogether possible that our flag would be changed.  another major issue is that many feel that taking the union jack off our flag would somehow affect our relationship with britian, who colonised us, and in whos commenwealth sovereignty we are still a part of.  we could look to canada though, as a good example of a commenwelath country that has changed their flag and achieved a whole new identity.  the site referenced below is not a source of mine, however you could take a look at some advocation for a new flag there.