Flags. Whoever thought there could be such passion, fuel and fire behind a piece of fabric?
The debate about whether we should change New Zealand’s flag is long standing and is certainly an issue that people are divided on. Now supporters have taken action and a petition has been put in place with the aim of creating a new, interesting, modern identity for our country.
One of the strongest arguments behind whether we should change our flag is the fact that the flag, in all countries, is the symbol of a nation. It is something that represents a country and what they are about.
Take a look at the Japanese flag for example. It actually looks like a rising sun (Japan, of course, being known as ‘The Land of the Rising Sun’). And the Canadian flag has the maple leaf pictured on it which is its national emblem. France’s uses the colours it is always associated with, as does the Italian flag.
New Zealand’s flag, however, looks like Australia’s, and we often get confused with our neighbours across the Tasman. I went to America about six years ago and was asked by one resident with an annoying accent whether Kangaroos bought newspapers to our door in the morning. That was after he asked whether we all lived in grass huts.
So now you understand why I support the cause to change our flag design. New Zealand has never really had a clear national identity. As a nation we have a short history as a settled country and few of us have much knowledge as to what happened before we were actually colonised.
This links to one of the strongest arguments for changing the flag – that the New Zealand flag was forced upon us by our colonial settlers who had a complete disregard for our past Maori culture.
Considering we have developed as a country on our own, without the help of England (do we really consider Queen Elizabeth the ruler of our nation anymore?) it makes sense we should have a world image that represents that.
As Dame Cath Tizzard said, “Our present flag served a young post-colonial country well, but the time has come to consider a change which more appropriately recognises our changed identity and confidence in ourselves.”
Then there are all the other famous people who reckon it’s time to change
“As a Kiwi I want to put my hand up and go 'yep that's a piece of me', and not, 'well that's a piece of the George Cross and that's a part of?? Oh hang on, no sorry, that's actually the Australian flag'. Clarke Gayford, C4
“New Zealand has very much its own culture and identity and I believe that this should be reflected on our national flag.” Jon Toogood, Shihad Frontman
“I believe New Zealanders are ready for change and what an opportunity we have to take responsibility for our own national identity, to help create a unique symbol of New Zealand today and as we do so well in other areas, to set ourselves apart from the rest of the world.” Bernice Mene, Former Silver Ferns Captain
And our very own Jenene Crossan, Director of nzgirl.co.nz:
“I certainly support the cause to change our national flag. As a young country in a critical development period, breaking away from the roots of our colonial heritage is an important step in creating our own identity and investing in our unique New Zealand culture.”
Our flag is how the rest of the world sees us. It’s how we brand ourselves. Most people overseas identify New Zealand with the silver fern or the kiwi. They don’t see a red, white and blue flag that looks like so many others.
But that’s opening a whole other can of worms – what is the best new flag design? Go to www.nzflag.co.nz to sign the petition, check out what other stuff people have to say and potential new designs.
Flags. Whoever thought there could be such passion, fuel and fire behind a piece of fabric?
