Senior New Zealand government ministers will next month discuss holding a referendum on changing the country's British-inspired flag.



The Electoral Commission has said it would be a tough task organising one in time for it to coincide with this year's election – likely to be held in December.

However, prime minister John Key doesn't seem to be in a hurry.



"All the decisions about timing have yet to be made - and also whether we will advance it," he said on Monday.



Asked when it would be discussed, he replied: "some time next month ... I've had some advice on it, I'll be getting more but that's just been about the process and how things could be done."



Mr Key floated the idea of a referendum last week, giving New Zealanders the opportunity of retaining the current flag or choosing an alternative.

"I'd like to see a change," he told reporters. "But firstly it's not the single biggest issue that we as a country face. And secondly, even with those who want to change, there's not universal support for what we should

change to."