It's the final countdown. By Thursday night, we'll know whether or not we're keeping our current flag, or changing to the blue and black Kyle Lockwood.

What's not clear is which way it will go. Sure, the polls show a clear preference from most New Zealanders to keep the current flag. But what matters is who took the time to enroll, fill out their ballot, and post it back. The final result could go against popular opinion, as those who want change often seem more motivated.

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Look at it this way. The younger generation is the one most in favour of the status quo. But they're also less likely to be enrolled to vote. And the postal system can be a hassle to those who grew up with the instant gratification of email.

Still, votes have poured in. When you compare it to the first referendum, twice as many people have made themselves heard this time around. Which is pleasing, but somewhat amazing, when you consider the two lackluster choices on offer.

There is a mood for change to show New Zealand is independent from its commonwealth roots. The Union Jack arguably has little relevance to us anymore. But that doesn't mean we want to rebrand ourselves as a tacky company logo, a tea towel mish-mash of colours and national symbols.

What grates is that this could all have gone so differently. Sure, it's a nice thought to let New Zealanders submit designs for the flag, but the ridiculous entries showed what idealism gets you in reality. No designers were brought in, no experts were part of the panel who decided on finalists. Imagine if we changed our anthem without working with musicians.

The obvious attempts by politicians to steer the debate was another thing that didn't help. The flag issue is deeply personal, as anyone who's got into a heated discussion around the dinner table can tell you. Different MPs trying to tell voters what to think means it's now become split along party lines. So much for a symbol of a unified and modern New Zealand.

It could all have been so different. But as it is, we wait until Thursday to find out what we're left with.