Justin Bieber urges New Zealanders not to change flag

Justin Bieber has waded into the debate over the decision to change New Zealand's national flag.

The pop star made a flying visit to the country this week (beg28Sep15) as part of his whistlestop promotional tour Down Under.

Justin took part in an interview with local radio station The Edge, during which he was drawn into the debate over plans for a new national flag.

Politicians have decide to replace the current design, which features Britain's Union flag on a blue background with three red stars, and New Zealanders have the chance to vote for their favorite from a shortlist of five.

Radio host Dom Harvey asked Justin for his thoughts on which flag should be chosen, but the Canadian singer declared he couldn't understand why the old flag has to go.

"Here's the thing dude, if it was up to me I'd say keep this one," he exclaimed. "Are you guys not confident in your flag? It looks fine to me..."

Justin went on to insist his home country would never change its own emblem, saying, "Canada or America, we would never change our flags."

The radio host then pointed out to Justin that Canada's flag was changed in 1965.

The original design was dropped in favor of the current maple leaf motif.