I’ve watched your video outlining the reasons behind considering a change to the New Zealand flag. As a fellow New Zealander, I strongly resonate with your perspective. While some have dismissed the flag debate as a trivial matter, I believe that our national symbols, especially the flag that represents us globally, are profoundly important and deserve thoughtful consideration. This isn’t a distraction, but an opportunity to strengthen our national identity.
Beyond the Silver Fern: Embracing National Symbolism
It’s well known that you favor a design featuring the silver fern, a symbol deeply ingrained in our national consciousness. The fern is undeniably a symbol of which we can all be proud. My own submission to the flag design process was indeed a silver fern on a black background. It’s a shame that such a powerful and simple combination has been somewhat tainted by unfortunate associations.
However, the examples of the English Rose, the Scottish Thistle, and South Africa’s Springbok and Protea illustrate a crucial point. A nation can possess strong, widely recognized symbols without needing to plaster them directly onto the national flag. These countries, among many others, have simple, distinctive flags that are deeply cherished and globally recognized. Whether or not a fern graces our new flag, the silver fern will continue to be an ubiquitous symbol, adorning everything from our revered rugby teams to our currency and war memorials. Our national identity transcends a single flag design.
Discovering Vexillology: The Art and Science of Flag Design
During the public consultation process, I delved into the principles of effective flag design, a field known as vexillology. Prior to this, I must admit, the term was foreign to me. Armed with this newfound knowledge, my perspective evolved. While many proposed designs were unremarkable, some truly stood out. Among them, the Red Peak design emerged as, in my view, the most compelling option.
Alt Text: The Red Peak flag design in use, a potential new flag for New Zealand.
The Red Peak, created by Aaron Dustin, is more than just aesthetically pleasing; it’s a design imbued with meaning and thoughtful construction. It’s an elegant and considered symbol that speaks to our heritage and future.
https://aotearoaflag.tumblr.com/
The Story Woven into Red Peak
This design tells a story, referencing the Māori creation myth of Ranginui and Papatūānuku, the sky father and earth mother. This narrative deeply resonates with New Zealand’s bicultural foundation.
The genius of Red Peak lies in its clever combination of visual elements, divided into two distinct yet harmonious halves.
Alt Text: Close-up of the left side of the Red Peak flag, showcasing the black, red, and white tukutuku panel design element inspired by Maori art.
On the left, it nods to traditional Māori tukutuku panels, employing the classic colors of black, red, and white. This is a powerful visual link to our indigenous heritage and artistic traditions.
Alt Text: Detail of the right side of the Red Peak flag, incorporating a subtle reference to the stars and Union Jack from the current New Zealand flag.
On the right side, a subtle yet recognizable reference to the stars and the Union Jack from our current flag is integrated. This acknowledges our historical ties while embracing a forward-looking identity.
From a vexillological perspective, Red Peak excels. The single black panel in the top-left corner is strategically placed for prominence when the flag is hung, a key design principle for flag visibility. It’s designed to function as a flag should.
A Flag That Stands Proudly Among Nations
Red Peak doesn’t appear out of place when flown alongside other great national flags, a crucial consideration for a symbol that will represent us on the international stage.
Alt Text: Red Peak flag displayed among other national flags, demonstrating its elegant and fitting appearance in international contexts.
Contrast this with some of the fern-heavy designs:
Alt Text: A silver fern flag design shown in a gallery of national flags, contrasted with the Red Peak design to highlight design differences.
The visual comparison speaks volumes. Red Peak possesses a distinctiveness and modernity that some other designs lack.
Importantly, Red Peak maintains its impact whether displayed at a grand scale or in miniature.
Alt Text: The Red Peak flag design shown at a small scale, illustrating its clarity and recognizability even at smaller sizes.
Even for those without artistic talent, Red Peak is remarkably simple to draw, making it accessible and memorable for everyone.
Alt Text: A simple line drawing demonstrating how easy it is to draw the Red Peak flag, highlighting its accessible and memorable design.
I was genuinely excited to see Red Peak included in the long list of potential designs and looked forward to advocating for its selection as our new flag during the referendum.
A Missed Opportunity in the Shortlist
Therefore, I was deeply disappointed by the four designs ultimately shortlisted. While I appreciate the democratic process, the choices presented feel limited. With three designs being variations of the silver fern and two virtually identical except for color, it feels less like a selection and more like an echo chamber. It’s akin to being offered a choice between slightly different iterations of the same fast food burger – where is the truly different, compelling option?
For a challenger to successfully replace the established status quo, it must be demonstrably superior. Think of the shift from newspaper classifieds to online platforms – the advantage had to be undeniable. I worry that none of the current shortlisted options achieve this level of compelling difference. Even as someone who strongly supports flag change, I struggle to see any of these four designs as significantly better than our current flag. My greater concern is that, despite this, one of them might still be chosen.
You initiated this process, and you hold the power to shape its outcome. I urge you to reconsider the shortlist. Replacing one of the near-identical silver fern designs with Red Peak would inject genuine choice into the referendum. It would offer New Zealanders the option to vote for a flag that is not just different, but demonstrably exceptional.
Sincerely,
Rowan
