A giant version of the alternate New Zealand flag will be flying from Tauranga City Council's flagpole on the Elizabeth Street west roundabout in about a week's time.

It's going to take that long to make a one-off 3mx6m flag large enough to be flown from the flagpole, says Mayor Stuart Crosby.

Todd Muller wants the alternative flag flown on the Elizabeth Street/Takitmu Drive roundabout.

The opportunity to see a giant version of the alternate flag flying from the Elizabeth Street/Takitimu Drive flagpole is the result of a request from Bay of Plenty MP Todd Muller and the sponsorship of Peter Farmer, who is paying for it.

'We discussed it yesterday informally as a result of that request,” says Stuart. 'We have to check resource consent and also checked with the government agency that looks after national flag flying. We have an email from them to say it's okay to fly the proposed alternate flag.

'What we're proposing to do, is fly alternately both the current national flag and the alternate.

'We have to make it very clear we are not endorsing the new proposed flag. We propose to fly them both to generate interest and debate over the upcoming referendum.”

Peter Farmer was the instigator of the project to place the former Woolworths Cameron Road flagpole on the roundabout.

Because of the size, council has had to order a one-off specially constructed flag.

'We have checked that we can fly them alternately, it's independently funded and council is not taking a positon on any particular flag,” says Stuart.

'It's purely done to generate debate and interest in the upcoming referendum.”

The flag will begin flying as soon as it arrives, which is five to seven days away.

Council had both flags flying at Baycourt, but they were stolen on Waitangi Day, says Stuart.

'Someone cut the wires.”

Todd says it's critical the community has a chance to see the flag in full flight to assess which of the two flags it supports.

'The flagpole is an icon in our city and this referendum is a once in a generation event,” says Todd.

'That is why I have approached the council to consider whether the two flags could take turns being displayed on our flagpole. This will allow the community to see their options expressed in the most vibrant way – on our great flagpole.

'Flying the alternative design locally has been approved by the flag consideration panel and is endorsed by local civic leader Peter Farmer.

'I think the alternative flag is going to look fantastic flying up there,” says Todd, who says he is a strong advocate for change.

The other places in our community that are showcasing both flags are:

· 41a May St, Mt Maunganui

· 16 Moa Street, Mt Maunganui

· Sun Pacific Villas, 123 Muricata Avenue, Mt Maunganui

· Waimarie Street (just past Totara / Hewletts Rd), opposite Port of Tauranga, Mt Maunganui

· Hynds, 84-86 Newton Street, Tauranga

· Papamoa Beach Family Tavern, 20 Domain Road, Papamoa, Tauranga

· Tauranga City Council, 91 Willow St, Tauranga

· Tauranga Hire, 15th Avenue Road, Tauranga

· 12 Hazelnut Way, Bellevue, Tauranga

· 39 Vivian Drive, Omokoroa, Tauranga

· Tauranga Bridge Marina, Berth E03