Momentum is gaining on the discussion of the new flag in New Zealand.With the release of the final four for consideration discussion seems to have increased. On the whole the reception has been negative.
A grand committee I assume of the ‘great and good’ have lead a process that has considered all the proposals, set a long-list and then a short list of four. The final selection is driven by an unsurprising compromise of incorporating the common themes that seem to gain traction, aside of whether these components work in combination.
The task set I think is an impossible one. The flag is to represent the important features of what makes New Zealand ……New Zealand. I do not think other countries set such high expectations for its flag. Such desires need a painting or such like! Of course John Key is driving his preference-something fern like. Not particularly mind stretching and he has reasonably been accused of just branding or corporatising the intent. How to make dollars, as if that is the way nations think of themselves. The problem with the fern and the colour black, another strong theme, for example is that they are already used widely by business and sports teams-the All Blacks of course. Hence the preference of Key, the currently great Ritchie McCaw and many Joe-Blokes (“ordinary Kiwis”).
The current four options to go into the planned run off against the current flag. I think there is a reasonable level of desire for change but the options have been received negatively.
A new one currently hitting big on ‘social media’ is below:
At least this design shows some imagination is design and offers meaningful interpretation rather than ‘the world knows us by the fern and the colour black”.
We will see but I do nor expect a change with these offerings. Key has been accused of using this process to define his heritage. One can see his fingers all over it. His usual suspects are lining up behind the offerings but I wonder if there will be some national tactical response.
