Dear John,
I’ve watched the video where you articulate the rationale behind changing the New Zealand flag. As someone who creates content for johnchen.net, focusing on insightful perspectives, I felt compelled to respond and elaborate on this significant discussion.
Like many New Zealanders, I strongly resonate with the idea of updating our national flag. While some dismiss this process as a frivolous expense or a distraction from pressing issues, I believe this is a narrow perspective. A nation is capable of addressing multiple important matters simultaneously, and our national symbols, particularly those displayed on the international stage, are indeed worthy of thoughtful consideration and debate.
It’s widely known that you favor a design incorporating the silver fern. The fern is undeniably a symbol that embodies New Zealand, and I, too, submitted a design featuring a simple silver fern on a black background during the flag design process. It’s unfortunate that this powerful color combination has been tarnished by negative associations.
However, history shows us through examples like the English Rose, Scottish Thistle, and South African Springbok & Protea, that a strong and universally recognized national symbol doesn’t necessarily need to be on the national flag itself. These nations have distinctive and cherished flags that are easily identifiable. Whether the silver fern is integrated into a new flag design or not, its significance as a national symbol for New Zealand is unwavering. We will continue to see it everywhere, from our revered rugby teams to our currency and war memorials.
During the public consultation, I delved deeper into the principles of effective flag design – vexillology, a term I only recently became familiar with. This new knowledge led me to refine my opinion. While numerous proposed designs were unremarkable, some stood out, and one in particular captured my attention as the most compelling:
The Red Peak, designed by Aaron Dustin (https://aotearoaflag.tumblr.com/), is a design of considerable elegance and thoughtfulness.
It carries a narrative, drawing inspiration from the Māori legend of Ranginui and Papatūānuku, representing the sky father and earth mother.
The design cleverly merges contrasting yet complementary elements.
The left side subtly nods to traditional tukutuku panels, utilizing the classic Māori colors of black, red, and white:
Conversely, the right side provides a connection to the stars and the Union Jack from the current flag, offering a sense of continuity and heritage:
Designed specifically as a flag, the prominent single black panel in the top-left corner ensures visibility even when hung vertically, a crucial aspect of flag design.
It holds its own when displayed alongside other iconic national flags, as it often would on international platforms:
Versus the silver fern options:
(Indeed, the Red Peak stands out!)
It maintains its visual impact whether viewed on a grand scale or in miniature:
Furthermore, its simplicity makes it easily reproducible, even for those without artistic talent:
I was encouraged to see the Red Peak design included in the longlist and eagerly anticipated advocating for its selection as the new flag design during the referendum process.
Therefore, I was deeply disappointed by the four designs ultimately shortlisted.
While I appreciate the commitment to a democratic process, the current shortlist feels limiting. Three of the designs bear a striking resemblance to one another, and two are virtually indistinguishable except for color variations. It feels akin to being offered a choice between similar fast-food burgers – the options lack significant differentiation. Finding a fitting comparison for the “hypnoflag” design is perhaps best left to the imagination.
For a challenger to succeed against the established status quo, it must be demonstrably superior. Think of the shift from newspaper classifieds to online platforms like Trade Me. My concern is that none of the current shortlisted options possess this level of compelling superiority over the existing flag. Even as a proponent of change, I find none of these four designs sufficiently inspiring. Worse still, I fear one might be chosen despite its shortcomings.
You initiated this process, and you, perhaps uniquely, have the power to influence its course.
I urge you to reconsider the shortlist. Replacing one of the near-identical silver fern designs with the Red Peak would provide a genuine choice and allow for a more meaningful referendum.
Sincerely,
Rowan
