New Zealand has officially named an alternative to its national flag following calls to part with the current design, which is similar to Australia's flag and features the Union Jack, a symbol of British colonialism. The proposed challenger instead displays a silver fern and the Southern Cross; it was created by architect Kyle Lockwood and is the final choice in a selection process that began with over 10,000 submitted designs.
But Lockwood's design is more than just a pretty picture. Here's the rationale behind the proposed flag:
The silver fern: A New Zealand icon for over 160 years, worn proudly by many generations. The fern is an element of indigenous flora representing the growth of our nation. The multiple points of the fern leaf represent Aotearoa's peaceful multicultural society, a single fern spreading upwards represents that we are all one people growing onward into the future. The bright blue represents our clear atmosphere and the Pacific Ocean, over which all New Zealanders, or their ancestors, crossed to get here. The Southern Cross represents our geographic location in the antipodes. It has been used as a navigational aid for centuries and it helped guide early settlers to our islands. [SilverFernFlag.org]
Not everyone thinks it's time for change, however. A recent poll showed 65 percent of the country wants to keep the current flag. New Zealanders will have their chance to decide between the two flags when a final, binding referendum is voted on next March.
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