UPDATED: 6.22PM The final result on the flag referendum has confirmed that we're keeping the current design.

Preliminary results were announced last week, showing 57 per cent of New Zealanders wanted to keep our current flag.

MORE: Bill English talks to Larry Williams about the final result 

The final official result has just been released, and despite a few last votes being counted, the vote is exactly the same, 57-43 in favour of keeping the flag.

The chair of the flag consideration panel says we are a lucky nation.

John Burrows said Kiwis have had an opportunity to really consider what our flag means, what it represents, and for the first time in history - choose a flag.

Mr Burrows said we've had a democratic and inclusive process, and it was pleasing to see such a significant turnout.