This late inclusion of a nondescript piece of cloth into the new New Zealand flag debate is more about political one-upmanship than national identity.
A flag (Canada's is an excellent example) is about an immediately recognisable design that has a key recognisable element. This so-called 'red peak' design lacks any immediacy or national identity.
There are really only three design elements that resonate with all New Zealanders:
- The Kiwi
- The Koru
- The Silver Fern
It is the latter, the fern, that is by far the obvious choice and is already widely recognisable as 'New Zealand'.
I'll be voting for a design that includes it. If for some bizarre reason 'Red Peak' is chosen as the preferred alternative I will then vote for retaining the existing.
But perhaps that is the outcome that 'change the flag' critics & red peak supporters have been hoping for anyway?
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