"I must say i personally like what i see and will seek the views of my fellow councillors at an appropriate committee meeting."..WYNNE RAYMOND , MAYOR . 18/7/2000 "Our Council recently considered your proposal for a new flag for New Zealand .However, I'm sorry to advise you that Council did not wish to pursue the matter at this stage.

You have obviously done a lot of work on the project. Al lthe best with your endeavours."......JOANNE BROWNIE , COMMITTEE SECRETARY . 7/8/2000

"On the whole the Council's Policy and Resoures Committee were impressed with your ideas and have asked me to commend you on your initiative. However, this Council believes that the matter is essentially one to be concidered by Central Government and the people of New Zealand.

However, I wish you all the very best in your indeavours and thank you for sharing your ideas with us."....NOEL POPE , MAYOR . 21/8/2000

"I congratulate you on you initiate and wish you well in your endeavours.At this stage our Council work programme is very intense with no opportunity to introduce more city business for many months.

For our files i would appreciate any feedback on the meeting you had with the Prime Minister,Heleen Clark"...........MARK BLUMSKY , MAYOR . 19/7/2000

"I commend you on your initiative and your commitment to New Zealand's image.

I consider that the most appropriate course of action is to have Central Government take a lead and canvas the opinion of the local authorities in New Zealand and the general public.

I would be pleased to maintain communication with you,but would be anxious to learn of the Prime Minister's recommendation in the first instance before involving the full Council"........SIR BARRY CURTUS , MAYOR . 18/7/2000

"Congratulations on your initiative and the fine design.

However,without wishing to be seen as discouraging,it is a matter that properly should be dealt with by the Central Government".....ALAN DICK , MAYOR . 18/7/2000

"Your design has a number of symbolisms that will appeal to those who seek to have a new and unique flag for New Zealand. I note that you have gained a resolution of support from your own council in Hastings. The next meeting of the Central Hawke's Bay District Council is not until 24 August, and it is not usual for Council to officially support such national campaigns.I hope that the enclosed letter commending your proposal to the Prime Minister for consideration will be of assistance to you." ...............HAMISH KYNOCH , MAYOR . 21/7/2000

To read letter to the Prime Minister , CLICK HERE

"The proposal was presented to the Coromandel / Colville Community Board at its meeting on 10 August. Although supporting the concept of a new national flag, and congratulating you on your initiative, the board declined to support the prosal as it believed it required extensive public input and suggested a national competition be held to attract further designs."

"The proposal was presented to the Thames Community Board at it's meeting on the 21 August, at which time Members declined to support the concept, believing this was a national issue, rather that a matter for the Community Board to Consider."............. BEV FLEMING , SECRETARY . 18/8/2000

"Unfortunately we can't endeavour to get you the type of endorsement you requested,as the Rodney District Council was suspended earlier this year.

personally,my congratulations on a very effective and attractive design"........................ PAUL GARBETT , COUNCIL SECRETARY . 26/7/2000

"I refer to your letter concerning the above ,matter that was received and discussed at a meeting of the Council held on the 26 july,2000 .Arising from these discussions the Council resolve as follows:-"THAT A LETTER BE SENT TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE HELEN CLARK ,PRIME MINISTER ,SUGGESTING THAT IT IS NOW TIMELY TO CONSIDER THE POSSIBILITY OF INTRODUCING A NEW NATIONAL FLAG FOR NEW ZEALAND"....... R TAYLOR , ADMINISTRATION OFFICER . 4/8/2000

"I acknowledge receipt of you letter addressed to the mayor regarding your proposal of a new design for the New Zealand flag. This was discussed at a meeting by our Councillors, but unfortunately there was little enthusiasm to change our present ensign"

I wish you well in your endeavours to bring about a 'new look' flag" .............CAROLINE FLAY , PERSONAL ASSISTANT . 4/8/2000

"Thanks for your letter and interesting proposal for a new New Zealand flag .

The Council decided that they did not think that at this stage ,that the New Zealand flag should be changed".......ROSEMARY MORAN , COMMITTEE CLERK . 4/8/2000

"Councillors generally agreed that the design was an issue for Central Government to decide. Howevere, they noted the comments in your letter with interest.

The Community Development Committee's meeting report was adopted by the council.The Councilresolved to recieive your letter and that you be advised that the councilwill take no further action." .......C J WHITLOCK , CEO . 26/9/2000

"Council considered your proposal at it's meeting on the 3 august 2000 and resolved:- "THAT THE NEW ZEALAND FLAG INFORMATION PROVIDED BY MR J P TROUP BE RECEIVED AND THAT COUNCIL RESPONDS THAT IT DOES NOT SUPPORT THIS PROPOSAL."

While we certainly respect the initiative you have shown in coming forward with a proposed alternative flag we believe this matter would need to be promoted by wide spread national consultation, possibly a competition inviting suggestions for a flag rather than simply leaping to one answer."......R G DICKINSON , CHIEF EXECUTIVE . 9/8/2000

"Your letter was placed before Council at its meeting on the 15 august, and a copy of the resolution in relation to your suggestion is attached . These minutes are a draft copy only ,and will be confirmed at our next full Council meeting on the 26 september 2000

I regret I am unable to help on this occasion, but would like to wish you all the best with your project." ......TIM SHADBOLT , MAYOR . 30/8/2000

To read minutes......CHICK HERE

"I referred your letter and the attachments to Council for their consideration.Unfortunately it did not receive the favourable endorsement that i expected and I enclose a copy of the minutes for your information.

I am sorry that my Council did not endorse your flag but i do personally.".......... MARY OGG , MAYOR . 21/9/2000 .....To read minutes CLICK HERE

"While i some sympathy with your views that our present flag is outmoded, this is not a matter I have raised at a full Council meeting.Rather, I sent a copy of your letter to all of our councillors. I have not received any response, largely I suspect because our Council workload is very heary this term.

I do not think there is any want of courage about this issue , but it is just not a priority right now." .........JILL WHITE , MAYOR . 26/9/2000

"The Council discussed various alternative flag designs, including the silver fern as well as the FLAG NEW ZEALAND. The Whakatane District Council Resolve to receive the information and have made no further resolutions in respect to the national flag.

Once again, thanks for your time and effort, it certainly stimulated discussion."............... CORAL HAIR , ADMINISTRATION OFFICER-POLICY . 21/8/2000