Sue Moroney took a photo of the black and blue silver fern flag flying outside a house, and posted it to twitter with the caption: "Just ' is [sic] you own a flash beach house doesn't mean you get to decide our flag. #democracy #FixChildPovertyInstead".
Just ' is you own a flash beach house doesn't mean you get to decide our flag. #democracy #FixChildPovertyInstead pic.twitter.com/aaWtejxA7P
— Sue Moroney (@suemoroney) March 27, 2016
Some social media users, including National MP Chris Bishop, criticised the tweet, and this morning Mr Little said he wasn't impressed.
"I thought it was ill-judged and inappropriate, and I've told her that," Mr Little said.
"It was brought to my attention this morning. I just didn't think it was a good look, and I've told her that."
Ms Moroney's tweet came after last Thursday night's preliminary results, in which 56.6% voted to keep the current flag featuring Britain's Union Jack versus 43.2% who favoured the alternative.
She has since apologised for the tweet, saying "Apology for any offence caused by my tweet yesterday - none intended. I regret it & can see how it could be misinterpreted. Of course everyone has the right to have a view on the flag."
Labour was critical of the flag change process, saying it was flawed and had been politicised by Prime Minister John Key.