New Zealand votes to KEEP its flag after very costly referendum

After a 16-month exercise that cost tax payers NZ$26 million (€16m), New Zealand has decided to keep its original flag.

A referendum took place on Thursday which shows 56.6 percent of people voting for the national flag instead of the new one, which critics saying it looks like a "beach towel," reports the Irish Times.

Almost 10,000 alternative flags were entered into a competition and a new flag which featured a silver fern and four red stars was voted to go up against the original. 

Those seeking the change wanted the Union Jack removed and said that it is too close to the design of Australia's national flag.

Today's results are only preliminary and the final results will be released on March 30, yet the decision is not expected to change.