Yeah – when we conceptualize and design identities for products or services, we don’t just reflect on what the company does now, we design a vision for it…

Yeah, I am starting to think it has to be tourism first, national identity second. Does that mean it’s the fern with a green background!

Hi, firstly a great evening thanks Louise! Loved the speakers. In regards to the flag I’m personally thinking green would reinforce NZ’s clean green reputation, one to hold onto : )

I am up for a new flag. Whether we like it or not black has become our national colour and the fern a fitting visual metaphor for the beauty of the country (well that’s my take anyway!)

I firmly believe in casting off the shackles of the old empire but believe there are some sensitivity issues to be addressed in regards to those that have thought under our current flag. Now is the time for debate but possibly not the time for change?

Hey, thanks for the opportunity to come along and speak about the campaign to change the New Zealand flag. It was great to get such a thoughtful discussion going, hopefully it will continue online. If you’re interested in the campaign please do register on the Facebook group “New Zealand Flag” and check out our website http://www.nzflag.com.

Hi Louise, great to have a chance to hear the speakers. There are some interesting aspects to consider for New Zealand and the future of current flag and I came with questions – still not answered.
If the flag is to be changed at all, there are some aspects to be recognized: geologically ancient, population recent (in planet time) and vast untapped energy…. throw all of these into the discussion along with the name “New – Zeal – and – ?” The country, land and its people are still forming up. Do we know what we are? Do we know who we are? What do we and the land wish to keep ’secret and hidden’ (seen by the use of black) and what is the portent shown by ‘zeal’, ‘adventure’, ‘excitement’, ‘raw dedication’ and ‘passion’. Yes the time for debate as Keir suggests – website or hui?

Just a ‘material thinking’ thought.

Design of a flag must take into account the material considerations of the artefact as well as the conceptual idea.

In Elizabethan times, black was a colour reserved for wealthy people. Black requires much overdying to achieve the best result on fabric and was too expensive to produce for ordinary use. There are parallel issues with using black on a flag. Black fades really fast and then it is grey of course. A black flag is great in a digital or print proposal on glossy paper, but it’s something else when it is dyed on fabric and out there fading in the sunshine. Love that NZ sunshine!

Good point Nancy. Also has anyone ever seen brand guidelines for a national identity? (I Googled it – no luck). I am also wondering how important our sporting brand is to tourism?

There are some ideas for making a change of flag more acceptable to people, plus a range of new flag designs at http://www.coolnz.net. Have a read, then fill in the survey. If enough people fill this in, it will soon make it clear what people want (or don’t).

Good luck encompassing all of the different value systems etc. This may not go down too well as long as there is an old digger still living and breathing. Who am I kidding? When students have little respect for the national emblem and use them as firestarters for BBQs perhaps that time has come.

Karol and Nancy both make excellent points- how do we represent who we are with imagery, colour and concept? I think Hundertwasser did a pretty good job with his attempt, the Koru represents young growth and is a strong symbol in our culture. The colour and style seem a suitable reflection of contemporary New Zealand, as well as having other corresponding meanings of green earth, Long White Cloud etc

I vote Hundertwasser.

The flag debate continues afresh this year: http://www.nzherald.co.nz/new-zealand/news/image.cfm?l_id=71&gal_objectid=10624211&gallery_id=109084#6823378

Does anyone know where I can find Billy Apples redesign of the NZ flag?

The Sunday Star Times editorial (February 7, 2010) ‘Flag debate awaits the rise of genius designer’ strikes pitch perfect at the very heart of the matter.

“Constitution first” is a horribly pragmatic but realistic argument. Someone please write us a brief!

Love the fact we have this categorised in “Logos” :P

FLAG THIS!

We have decided to throw ourselves into the ring! Lets keep on talking …

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