New Zealand prime minister aims for flag change vote next year

New Zealand's National Party leader and Prime Minister-elect John Key celebrates a landslide victory with his wife Bronagh (R) and son Max (L) at the National election party during New Zealand's general election in Auckland, September 20, 2014. REUTERS/Nigel Marple

WELLINGTON (Reuters) - New Zealand may vote next year on changing its flag, newly re-elected prime minister John Key said on Monday, as the country looks to assert an identity independent of colonial ties to Britain.

Key's centre-right government was returned for a third three year term on Saturday in a resounding win, promising to continue steady economic management and controls on spending, and possible tax cuts in three years.