MPs have heard submissions about whether or not the New Zealand flag should be changed.

New Zealand could be recognised as the first country in the world to give children the vote, starting with the flag referendum.

The Justice and Electoral select committee heard from submitters on Thursday about the referendum and their views on whether a new flag is needed.

Michael Gibson told MPs that all school-age children should be given the vote and be involved in the decision-making process.

Internationally New Zealand would be recognised as "not only the first country to give women the vote but also the first country to give children the vote".

But National MP Chris Bishop, who sits on the select committee, said allowing children to vote on the referendum was "a bit unrealistic".

He said most people would agree that the voting age of 18 should also apply to referendums.

"It's a general approximation of when people are mature enough to weigh up things like the future of the country and all the important issues Parliament deals with. My personal view is that...it's best to stick with consistency," he said.

Gibson said giving children aged 5 and over a vote on the flag referendum would be "giving a vote to those who will be living the longest with the consequences".

"By being involved in the decision-making process school children would feel empowered. The important subject of social studies will be boosted and have even more meaning," he said.

"To choose between four pictures might have the merit of getting the input of people who simply like the simplest and most attractive picture."

National MP Todd Barclay questioned whether giving children a vote would lead to them being lobbied in the school yard.

"We're talking about between 800 and 900,000 kids, it's a significant number that could be swayed each way."

Labour MP Jacinda Ardern gave Barclay, the youngest MP, a dig when she responded, "Todd, you were recruited at 12, what's wrong with that?"

Gibson disagreed that "pressure groups" would be waving banners and flags outside of schools and ruled it out as a problem.

Prime Minister John Key announced the two-step referendum last year, which would see a cross-party panel pick three to five options after public consultation on possible designs.

Those designs would then go to the first referendum to be voted on, and the most preferred would then be pitted against the current flag.

At that second referendum people would vote to either change the flag to the most preferred new design, or keep the status quo.

Most submitters at Thursday's select committee were against the flag being changed, with Catherine Underwood telling MPs money would be better spent on improved poles given how "limp" the flag hung when there wasn't any wind.

Several submitters were concerned at the $26 million price tag for the referendums.

Alex Dittmer said there were children going hungry in New Zealand every day and countries like Nepal in need of aid - both issues that needed the money more than a change of flag.

Aidan Work is "totally opposed on historical and emotional grounds" to a flag change and told MPs to "leave it alone".

He said he'd rather "run a Union Jack up a pole" than see a change.

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