Flag for all kiwi

New Zealand showed 40 works, of which a new national symbol will be chosen

In New Zealand, the next stage of choosing a new national flag ended: on August 10, a special government commission published a list of 40 images, of which four finalists will be selected. At the end of 2015, a nationwide referendum will be held and the winner will be determined. Medusa talks about how a competition is going on, which is often called the most important event in the political life of New Zealand.

It is believed that the main initiator of the change of New Zealand flag was the country's Prime Minister John Kay. There were two problems with the old flag. Firstly, it reminds the inhabitants of New Zealand about the colonial past of the country: the flag uses not only the colors of the British Junion Jack, but also the Union Jack itself, and the flag of the former metropolis is the most noticeable and recognizable element of the national flag of New Zealand.

Secondly, the New Zealand flag is too similar to the flag of neighboring Australia-both use the images of "Union Jack" and the constellations of the Southern Cross. John Kay repeatedly complained that the flags are often confused, and at the international events of the New Zealand prime minister they plant under the Australian flag. "This happens every time, and it is not funny!" - Kay said in September 2014, announcing a competition for a new flag.

During the work for consideration by the New Zealand commission, more than 10 thousand works were sent. Most used the adopted symbols of New Zealand: images of the southern cross or branch of fern - silver cyate. Some authors proposed to use less conservative symbols: a bird of kiwi, a sheep or hobbits. Among the options examined by the commission were the “kiwi-thermalminator”, “two-legged sheep” and “kiwi from the film“ Beginning ”.

The choice of the New Zealand commission does not differ in diversity. Almost all the images that have passed the selection use one of the three main elements: the constellation, fern or wave - or combine them. A pair of options is represented by a triangle (the authors claim that it reflects the cultural diversity of New Zealand), another “Union Jack” retained in some incomprehensible way.

John Kay himself called his favorite a flag with a white branch of fern in the black field, but black and white flags quickly criticized the resemblance to the pirate and even worse, with the flag of the Islamic State.

By announcing a long list, the New Zealand commission spoke about some qualities that the perfect national flag should have. So, it should be recognizable and at the same time quite simple so that the child can draw him from memory. The flag should also convey the spirit of the country, and be a “flag for all kiwi [New Zealand]”: every citizen of New Zealand must recognize himself in his colors and symbols.

A list of four flag-finalists will be announced in mid-September 2015.