I recently watched your video outlining the reasons behind your push for a change to the New Zealand flag. Like many New Zealanders, I find myself in strong agreement with your perspective. While some have dismissed this entire process as a frivolous waste of resources and a distraction from more pressing matters, I respectfully disagree. I believe that a nation is capable of addressing multiple issues simultaneously, and the symbols we present to the world are indeed significant and deserve thoughtful consideration.
It’s widely known, John, that you personally favor a design incorporating the silver fern. The fern is undeniably a symbol of national pride, and my own submission during the design process echoed this sentiment – a simple silver fern design set against a black backdrop. It’s unfortunate that this powerful color combination has been somewhat tarnished by negative associations.
However, as evidenced by national symbols like the English Rose, the Scottish Thistle, and South Africa’s Springbok and Protea, a strong and universally recognized national symbol doesn’t necessarily need to be emblazoned on the national flag itself. These nations, among many others, boast simple yet distinctive flags that are deeply cherished and easily identifiable. Regardless of whether a fern graces our new flag, the silver fern will continue to be an omnipresent symbol of New Zealand, adorning everything from our rugby jerseys to our currency and war memorials.
During the public consultation phase, I delved deeper into the principles of effective flag design and learned a great deal about what constitutes a truly impactful national banner. I must admit, prior to this, the term “vexillology” was completely foreign to me. Armed with this newfound knowledge, my initial opinions evolved. While many of the proposed designs were, to put it mildly, uninspired, a few truly stood out. Among these exceptional designs, one in particular captured my attention and ultimately became, in my view, the best of the lot:
Alt: The Red Peak flag design flying proudly, showcasing its aesthetic appeal and potential as the New Zealand national flag.
https://aotearoaflag.tumblr.com/
This “Red Peak” design, created by Aaron Dustin, is not only visually striking but also thoughtfully conceived and elegantly executed. It possesses a compelling narrative, drawing inspiration from the Māori creation myth of Ranginui and Papatūānuku, representing the sky father and earth mother.
The design cleverly incorporates a dual symbolism through its two distinct halves. The left side offers a subtle nod to traditional tukutuku panels, utilizing the classic Māori colors of black, red, and white:
Alt: Close-up detail of the left panel of the Red Peak flag, highlighting the black, red, and white color scheme and its resemblance to traditional Māori tukutuku patterns.
Conversely, the right side subtly references elements from the current flag, incorporating stars and a visual echo of the Union Jack:
Alt: Detailed view of the right panel of the Red Peak flag, showing the star-like shapes and the implied Union Jack pattern, connecting to New Zealand’s history and heritage.
Designed specifically as a flag, it features a solid black panel strategically placed in the top-left corner, ensuring prominence when the flag is displayed hanging. This is a key principle of good flag design.
Furthermore, the Red Peak flag holds its own when displayed alongside other world-class national flags, demonstrating its visual compatibility and international appeal:
Alt: Side-by-side comparison of the Red Peak flag displayed in a gallery of flags, showcasing its strong presence and aesthetic coherence alongside other national flags.
vs
Alt: Side-by-side comparison showing a fern design flag in a gallery setting, visually contrasting it with the Red Peak design and implying the Red Peak’s superior aesthetic in this context.
(Indeed, the fern design appears less impactful in comparison!)
The Red Peak design is versatile, maintaining its visual integrity whether viewed at a large scale or in a smaller format:
Alt: The Red Peak flag displayed in a small size, demonstrating its clarity and recognizability even at a reduced scale, crucial for various applications.
Crucially, it is remarkably easy to draw, even for individuals lacking artistic talent:
Alt: A simple drawing guide illustrating how to easily sketch the Red Peak flag, emphasizing its accessibility and ease of reproduction for everyone.
I was encouraged to see the Red Peak design included in the longlist of potential flag options and eagerly anticipated advocating for its selection as the new national flag during the referendum process.
Therefore, I was deeply disappointed to learn of the four designs ultimately shortlisted. While I appreciate the desire for a democratic process, the current selection feels, frankly, like a choice devoid of genuine options. Three of the designs bear striking similarities, and two are virtually indistinguishable except for minor color variations. It’s akin to being presented with a choice between a Carl Jr., a Big Mac, a Whopper, and… well, the burger equivalent of the somewhat hypnotic fern design escapes me, but I trust you grasp the analogy, John.
For a challenger product or service to gain widespread acceptance, it must be demonstrably superior to the existing status quo – consider the impact of online marketplaces like Trade Me compared to traditional newspaper classifieds. My concern is that none of the shortlisted options possess this “remarkably better” quality necessary to sway public opinion. Even as a staunch advocate for flag change, I find myself unconvinced that any of these four designs are truly compelling. Worse still, I fear that one of them may still be chosen over our current flag, despite their shortcomings.
You initiated this process, John, and you, perhaps uniquely at this juncture, possess the authority to course-correct. I urge you to reconsider the shortlist, to replace one of the two near-identical silver fern designs with the Red Peak design, and to grant New Zealanders a truly meaningful choice in this pivotal decision.
Yours sincerely,
Rowan
