The RSA says New Zealanders are showing more passion for the current flag...during the debate about whether or not to change.

Kyle Lockwood's blue, black and white fern flag has come out just in front, in the first flag referendum.

It'll go up against the current flag in March next year.

And RSA president BJ Clark is confident the current flag will win out.

Mr Clark said he's seen our existing flag being flown more often during the lead-up to the first vote.

"Maybe that's a positive for this process that it's reinvigorated people's desire to fly the current flag."

He believes last night's referendum result doesn't change anything - obviously a design was going to be selected and now we can get on with leading up to the second referendum.

He said the RSA is still receiving a lot of support to continue fighting for the current flag.