New Zealand's next flag

[muppet]

Could a kiwi with laser eyes be on this nation’s next flag?

Alexandra Gibbs | @alexgibbsy

A country's cultural identity is rooted by its national flag, but one country has opened up the design its next ensign to a public competition.



Probst | ullstein bild | Getty Images
The Current New Zealand Flag

New Zealand's government has decided that its current flag – in place since 1902 - needs a revamp. So its launched its 'Flag Consideration Project' – costing NZD 25.7 million ($19.2m) – which asks citizens to submit fresh designs, ahead of a vote next year.
Since this project has launched last Tuesday, at least 850 entries have been submitted. Many have taken great pride in the original while others have opted to highlight New Zealand's traditional culture, including the Kiwi bird, silver fern and Maori artwork.



Designer Credit: Mike Archer, from International
"Kia Ora" ('This respectful / contemporary flag design / evolution / rebrand is bold, strong and immediately identifiable.')

As anyone can submit, some designs have raised some eyebrows, including those featuring smiley faces and stickmen riding bikes, to "psychotic swirls" and "nyan kiwis".
Here are some of the contenders:



Designer Credit: James Gray, from Auckland
"Fire the Lazar!" ('The laser beam projects a powerful image of New Zealand.')

Read more at
http://www.cnbc.com/id/102682656

[cube]

Here's my suggestion.

[tulips]

Be good to get rid of the current one with the obvious connection to the UK - time for our own identity !

[donna]

I like the current flag and our connection to the UK. How much $$ will it cost to adopt a new flag? Personally I'd like them to improve our national anthem.

cheers,

donna

[jimO]

it will be the chinese flag the way things are going

[Aston]

Be good to get rid of the current one with the obvious connection to the UK - time for our own identity !

That's a stupid thing to say. We do have a very obvious connection to the UK, so that's a very obvious reason to keep the current flag, not change it.

There's nothing wrong with the flag and nothing wrong with the National anthem.

If it's not broke don't fix it.

[tulips]

That's a stupid thing to say. We do have a very obvious connection to the UK, so that's a very obvious reason to keep the current flag, not change it.

There's nothing wrong with the flag and nothing wrong with the National anthem.

If it's not broke don't fix it.

First of all lose the god complex - who are you to say my personal opinion is stupid ?
Its all about perspective and I am entitled to mine !

For one put yourself in the shoes of Maori and what the union jack represents to them.

Why have other countries like Canada that are in the commonwealth changed
their flag ? Cause they want to go forward with their own identity and all
the benefits that go with it, John Key no mug.

[Aston]

who are you to say my personal opinion is stupid ?

Alright then... In my personal opinion, that's a stupid thing to say.

[tulips]

Alright then... In my personal opinion, that's a stupid thing to say.

Is that all you got young fella ?

[Aston]

Is that all you got young fella ?

Thank you so much... You say the loveliest things. Nobody's said that to me for about 50 years.

[Wayne]

John Key no mug.

No he isn't - he knows how to create a distraction.
So we decide which flag to change to THEN decide if we want to change?

I'd rather concentrate on getting food on peoples tables and other important things.

[tulips]

Thank you so much... You say the loveliest things. Nobody's said that to me for about 50 years.

One would think if you are as old as you claim to be you would have realised over time that the pen
is mightier than the sword, but you did not reply to me in that way.

Many kiwis seem to be against the flag change.

Why the loyalty to the UK ?

Did the UK not throw us out of closer economic relations when they went with the EU ?
The UK recently changed the rule that people born in the UK their kiwi grandchildren can no longer
live in the UK permanently ? (No doubt plenty more could be added to the list)

What loyalty have they shown us to strengthen our relationship ?

Notice more contact from the royals in recent years, the flag change could be the reason with royals seeing the flag change as the writing on the wall ?

We need to find our true identity, once we do our pride and all the good that comes with
it will propel us forward like we have never seen before.

[tulips]

No he isn't - he knows how to create a distraction.
So we decide which flag to change to THEN decide if we want to change?

I'd rather concentrate on getting food on peoples tables and other important things.

In my eyes John Key is the hardest working politician we have ever had, we
are fortunate to have a man of his calibre be the leader of our country.
Have you ever seen another NZ PM go to work at such a pace to drum up overseas trade ?

Changing the flag is important for foreign trade, if Australia, UK, and other countries that
have the union jack in their flag make choices that are viewed by the world as below the belt
we are automatically associated with them.

Food on tables is called an income whether it be a benefit, wage whatever.

26 million peanuts , we got to think Huge (not Big)
Media going on about 11 million on a New York apartment, what percentage of New Zealand's income would 11 million be ? Huge capital gain to be had.
Or go for Labours idea of a bedsit in The Bronx ?

[tulips]

I like the current flag and our connection to the UK.

Why do you like the connection to the UK Donna ?

[Wayne]

Tulip - you need glasses.
At least ones less rose tinted.
Other PMs and the like have also worked hard for NZ - they have just not trumpeted as much as JK (he certainly likes the limelight).
If you think a new flag is going to help trade then you need help.

Huge capital gains? Just what does that actually do for the country?