New Zealand unveils flag finalists, to mixed reviews

1 September 2015

The four finalists in New Zealand's public competition to design what could be the country's new national flag have been revealed.

But it's fair to say the response has been muted, with many dismissing them as too conservative, even boring.

All but one of the designs - which could end up replacing the existing Union Jack-emblazoned flag - uses the national silver fern symbol. The fourth shows the curving koru Maori symbol. Two are by the same designer.

This is what each of the designers had to say about their offering:

Silver Fern (black white and blue) - Kyle Lockwood

NZ government

Silver Fern (black white and blue) described by designer Kyle Lockwood as "a New Zealand icon for over 160 years, worn proudly by many generations".

Silver Fern (Red, White and Blue) by Kyle Lockwood

NZ government

Kyle Lockwood's second offering - Silver Fern (Red, White and Blue). "To the right of the fern there are four stars in the formation of the Southern Cross constellation."

NZ government

"As our flag unfurls, so too does its koru", says Andrew Fyfe of his design. "The koru represent new life, growth, strength and peace, and for this reason has taken a special place in Aotearoa's visual language."

NZ government

Back to ferns - this is Silver Fern (Black & White) by Alofi Kanter, which he says is "strong and simple", with its "softly curved spine of the frond binding us all together as a young, independent and proud nation".

So what did New Zealanders make of the lucky four?

Tweet text: "Can someone actually explain how those 4 flags represent NZ? I don't see it."

Twitter

Tweet text: "Feel like New Zealand has gone mad - ridiculous $26M flag redesign process and clip art design for our new dollar bills #despair

Twitter

@Misstahi is also no fan of the new bank notes being issued in New Zealand.

Tweet text: "Maybe the new flag design should just depict money on fire or John Key with his hands over his ears #keeptheflag"

Twitter

The cost of the flag redesign - estimated at NZ $26m ($16.5m; £10.8m) - is a recurring theme.

Tweet text: "If you think the #NZFlag finalists demonstrate a stunted vision for the future, you're not going to like the TPP very much either.

Twitter

Some found a wider political angle on the debate, including this tweeter angered by the planned Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal.

Tweet text: "Not to harp on about it, but the NZ flag design process is Ashley Madison-esque in gender proportions"

Twitter

The fact all three finalists are male - like, as this tweeter points out, most of the users of hacked infidelity site Ashley Madison - has also not gone unnoticed.

Twitter

But all things considered, perhaps the most important issue was being taken into account.

Tweet text "SO much negativity about the last 4 #nzflag options. I love the silver and southern cross wit the black. #changeitnow

Twitter

But there were at some least some positive voices in the mix

Tweet text: "So no one likes the chosen design options. Totally didn't see that coming. #nzflag"

Twitter

New Zealanders will have the chance to choose their favourite design in a referendum later this year. Then in 2016, another referendum will be held to decide whether to scrap the existing flag and replace it with the winner.

New Zealand unveils flag finalists, to mixed reviews

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