I have chosen to take a negative stance for the changing the flag in my poster designs.
The research that I have done and the debate in class have helped to convince me of this position.
Research:
Word list of what New Zealanders consider is important to them regarding a flag
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Opponents to change argue that:
- The national flag has "stood the test of time".[13] Some New Zealanders feel attached to the flag as it has been part of the country's history; these events are what give the flag its symbolic and emotional value rather than the instrinsic design itself.[9][14] For example, all poll results from 2014 show that a large majority of the public are opposed to changing the flag or at least do not see it as a pressing issue (see section below).
- The Union Jack in the flag represents New Zealand's strong past and present ties to the United Kingdom[15] and its history as a part of the British Empire, and theSouthern Cross represents its location in the South Pacific.[9][16]
- Proposals focus too much on Māori and Pacific designs when most of New Zealand's heritage, culture, linguistic background and political institutions are British derived.[14]
- Generations of New Zealanders have fought and died under it during many battles.[5] Changing the flag would thus be disrespectful to their efforts and sacrifice. Note that the first time the Flag of New Zealand was flown in battle was from the HMS Achilles during the Battle of the River Plate in 1939.[17] However, New Zealand flags were flown in World War I, such as the Quinn's Post New Zealand flag, flown during the Gallipoli campaign.[18] Rhys Jones, former chief of the New Zealand Defence Force, noted that the flag has already been changed during New Zealand's history, and a salient legacy of the Gallipoli campaign was discussion of the nation's independent identity.
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A flag needs to be instantly recognisable
Test after test shows that the current New Zealand flag is immediately confused with flags of other countries, especially Australia. In many instances, a flag is used in an international context. There is no question that the Silver Fern is the most recognised symbol of New Zealand. For over a century the Silver Fern has been the emblem of our sports men and women. The Silver Fern is used extensively as a symbol by Government, tourism, trade organisations and commercial brands. The Silver Fern says "New Zealand".
This website is all for changing the flag, but I could play with 'instantly recognisable' in my anti-change designs somehow...
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Flag design idea by Dick Frizzell
Flag design idea by Frizzell's son, Otis.
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The flag design gallery at https://www.govt.nz/browse/engaging-with-government/the-nz-flag-your-chance-to-decide/gallery/
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A 2005 proposal by Cameron Sanders
Various popular new flag designs:
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From: http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/68851727/Silver-fern-prominent-in-popular-New-Zealand-flag-options
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Silly flag designs that have a small chance of being our national flag
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Almost 80 per cent believed the first referendum in December should ask if the flag should change rather than waiting to pit the current flag against an alternative in a second referendum next March. The poll has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.6 per cent.
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Design that won a flag-design competition, by Denise Fung
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"New Zealand is the only country whose national colour is black, and every other country recognizes this."
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