New Zeeland's Flag Referendum

[Beskar]

Talking with my friend from New Zeeland, the story from over there seems to be that this is a move by the current Prime Minister to add something to his legacy, rather than a move by the New Zeelanders themselves.

Whilst there is a general feeling within the population about having a new flag, the motivations behind the referendum is simply the Prime Ministers personal glory and the process is viewed as a sham, especially as it was all decided by appointed bureaucrats with no experience design decisions or reflecting the views of the population, this re-enforcing the general feeling that the New Zeelanders themselves were locked out of the process.

Their opinion on the current flag choices were "They were created using clip-art".

[Crandar]

Looks like the islands of Fiji plan to do something similar:
http://portlandflag.org/2015/06/09/2...new-fiji-flag/

Not a huge fan of any of their suggested flags, only the tortoise one seems acceptable.

[Philippus Flavius Homovallumus]

Well the current flag is a Royal Navy Ensign with four stars stitched on to represent the Southern Cross, the stars sailors steer by in the Southern Hemisphere. It's a very colonial symbol and I can see why they'd want to change it.

The problem with having the public submit designs is that you then have individual designs to pick from, rather than the traditional committee-designed flag that combines several elements.

Looking at the long list you can see that the current colours are popular, as are the ferns, swirls and Southern Cross.

So how about this - the current blue field with the stars of the Southern Cross stylised symmetrically in the centre with four ferns, two above and two below curving inwards forming a diamond, in each corner a curled fern turned clockwise (it's important the flag cannot be mounted upside down by mistake).

That combines all of the most common features and, unlike the flags above, it can be easily reproduced at home or in school, using a single sheet as a base and painting/embroidering it.

[Gilrandir]

this is a move by the current Prime Minister to add something to his legacy, rather than a move by the New Zeelanders themselves.

Whilst there is a general feeling within the population about having a new flag

These two sentences contradict each other.

the motivations behind the referendum is simply the Prime Ministers personal glory and the process is viewed as a sham, especially as it was all decided by appointed bureaucrats with no experience design decisions or reflecting the views of the population, this re-enforcing the general feeling that the New Zeelanders themselves were locked out of the process.

You make Zealanders look like a sheepish crowd who are afraid to voice their dissatisfaction or (which is more likely) don't care much.

I think the first is not case (even if ONE person you talked presented the picture like that). This friend of yours admitted that most locals WISH to have a new flag. This common wish was one of the motivations behind the authorities' move. Whatever personal aspirations their current Prime Minister might have, they evidently coincide with the popular sentiment.

The approach to the choice might be criticized, of course, yet I believe that if the citizens cared more, they would come up with a petition or something to influence the choice.

So how about this - the current blue field with the stars of the Southern Cross stylised symmetrically in the centre with four ferns, two above and two below curving inwards forming a diamond, in each corner a curled fern turned clockwise (it's important the flag cannot be mounted upside down by mistake).

That combines all of the most common features and, unlike the flags above, it can be easily reproduced at home or in school, using a single sheet as a base and painting/embroidering it.

Good one. Now move to New Zealand, get the citizenship, run for the Prime Minister, win the elections and introduce this one.

[Beskar]

These two sentences contradict each other.

No they don't.

You make Zealanders look like a sheepish crowd who are afraid to voice their dissatisfaction or (which is more likely) don't care much.

Their dissatisfaction is well noted in the media. They are limited practically with what they can do.

Whatever personal aspirations their current Prime Minister might have, they evidently coincide with the popular sentiment.

A rushed process which doesn't really take much account of the views of the local population, decided by bureaucrats with no design experience or mandate, and ended up in the least diverse selection of flags possible in the referendum was not what they were wanting.

If you wanted Icecream, then I got some, put it in a cone, then I splatted it upon the top of your head, have I given you what you wanted?

[Shaka_Khan]

[Gilrandir]

A rushed process which doesn't really take much account of the views of the local population, decided by bureaucrats with no design experience or mandate, and ended up in the least diverse selection of flags possible in the referendum was not what they were wanting.

The initial selection of flags was 40 (if what was said in the thread was true), this doesn't qualify as "the least diverse possible".

And again, the population didn't seem inclined to put their foot down on it. Thus, if they didn't get the best they will have to make the best of what they have.

[Viking]

Fifth design gaining steam:

Nearly 30,000 people have signed a petition demanding the New Zealand government allow a fifth entry in the contest for a new national flag.
Red Peak, designed by Wellington resident Aaron Dustin, was on the long list but did not make the final four.

But PM John Key has already said no to adding Red Peak into the contest.

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-34171294

Drama.