'It's time to move on': Actor Hugh Jackman says Australia and New Zealand should remove the Union Jack from their flags
- Actor Hugh Jackman has given his opinion on New Zealand's flag
- He believes the country should choose to have a new flag
- But he also revealed he thinks Australia should have a new flag, too
- He said both countries needed a flag without the Union Jack on it
Actor Hugh Jackman has delivered his opinion on New Zealand's flag referendum, revealing he thinks the country should ditch the Union Jack - but says Australia should, too.
He told a presenter from New Zealand radio station ZM: 'I'm a big promoter of both our countries having a different flag. I think it's time we moved on. That's my personal view'.
'I think the days of having the Union Jack... I think we've moved on from that,' he told ZM Online.
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Hugh Jackman was talking to a New Zealand radio presenter when he revealed his thoughts on the New Zealand - and the Australian - flags
Jackman said he believed both New Zealand and Australia should remove the Union Jack from their flags
The current New Zealand flag flies alongside the alternative flag in Wellington, the country's capital, earlier in March. A referendum is currently underway to find out if people want to keep the current flag or adopt a new one
Hugh Jackman and actress Deborra-Lee Furness arrive at the 2016 G'Day Los Angeles Gala in January
'No offence, it's all great, thank you very much, time to move on,' he added.
He also seemed surprised to learn that on occasion, the Australian flag was mistaken for the New Zealand one and raised during important New Zealand sporting events.
Jackman's comments come as referendum on New Zealand's flag has got underway, with people voting to either keep the current one or adopt a new one.
The issue has caused widespread debate in New Zealand and gathered international attention after a competition to design a potential new flag attracted many joke entries.
The Australian flag, which features the same colours, the Union Jack and even similar stars to the current New Zealand flag
Hugh Jackman said he was a fan of both New Zealand and Australia removing the Union Jack from their flags
In the country, the majority of discussion has been about whether the flag should be changed at all.
Many opponents are angry at the cost of the flag referendum - about $NZD26 million.
Others are disappointed at the design selected as a possible replacement, with it compared to a 'tea towel' by detractors.
On the other hand, supporters believe it is time for the country to adopt a flag that is unique and better reflects the nation, which often chooses a silver fern a symbol to represent it.
Voting on the flag closes on March 24, with the outcome due on March 30.
Australian actor Hugh Jackman is seen in the West Village in New York City earlier in 2015
Jackman also told another guest, from the UK, who was also speaking to the radio host, that he meant no offence
Jackman seemed surprised to learn that the Australian flag had been mistakenly flown at major sport events for New Zealand athletes
'I think the days of having the Union Jack... I think we've moved on from that,' Hugh Jackman told a New Zealand radio presenter
Hugh Jackman attends a press conference of director Dexter Fletcher's film 'Eddie the Eagle' recently
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