New Zealand’s new flag is inching ever closer as the final four contenders are revealed. Government officials have waded through a monumental 10,292 flag design submissions from the interested public.
The whittled down quartet all feature symbols pertinent to New Zealand including the Southern Cross constellation, the fern frond and the koru – a design that represents new life, growth and strength in Māori visual language.
The final contender will be revealed after New Zealanders vote on the flag via a postal referendum later in the year. If a new flag is selected, it will be adopted within six months.
It was never going to be easy to please everyone, but it seems many are underwhelmed, fatigued with the drawn-out process. Many have expressed disdain at the lack of difference between the designs.
Welcome back to today’s edition of ‘What Colour Do You Want With Your Silver Fern’ #nzflag
— Mohamed Hassan (@MHassan_1) August 31, 2015
WHERE IS THE COLOUR? How much more interesting are the colour schemes of @carolgreen‘s alternative longlist?! #nzflag pic.twitter.com/oiXUK3SdaT
— Melody Thomas (@WriteByMelody) August 31, 2015
Some of the submissions left many shocked or in hysterics. Many were dissapointed “laser Kiwi” didn’t make the finals.
With #LaserKiwi not even making this elimination round, support plummets for #nzflag reality show. pic.twitter.com/Kgw8c8iRzq
— Rangi Kemara (@Te_Taipo) August 31, 2015
Damn, was really rooting for this guy #NZFlag pic.twitter.com/EnFIDLexFG — Lauren Mabbett (@LaurenMabbett) August 31, 2015
When you just dropped a giant turd and realise everyone can smell it… #NZFlag pic.twitter.com/SRDsYk8Qoz
— Andy Pickering (@AndyPickeringNZ) August 31, 2015
The disparaging social media posts on #nzflag have delighted those who support retaining their current flag. So, now the wait till the referendum continues.
Which flag would you choose?