Where are the artists and designers?

So the flag consideration panel have voted for their top 40 flag designs. What a disappointing let down that was. No originality from most of them - one is essentially the same as what we have now, simply changing the background to black and some koru design to the Union Jack in the corner. A bit farcical that some of these designs have made the top 40 to be honest.

Unimaginative too. It seems that for many whose designs made "the grade", they seemed to want to get John Key's tick of approval so threw a silver fern in there. Really? And then there are those that threw both the silver fern and the southern cross in for good measure. Talk about cluttering the flag.

Now don't misunderstand me. I am keen for us to change our flag. I want something that represents us as a nation. I have been keen on a flag change for a number of years now. Having lived overseas I have had people ask why we and Australia have the same flag. No doubt it is confusing. And as a lesson in history shows, our current flag was not even something we as New Zealanders chose. It's origins come from the Imperial Colonial Naval Defence Act of 1865, which ruled that all ships owned by a colonial government must fly the Blue Ensign with the badge of the colony on it (see http://www.nzflag.com/history1902.cfm). So, we have a flag based on the Royal Navy ensign with a few stars thrown in.

But getting back to the "top 40". The disappointing thing about the list is that there is no design that is something that makes you go "wow!" They are either a slight variation on a theme or an interpretation of what people think John Key wants. There is not enough boldness. Also there are too many that are just simply too hard to replicate. A flag should be bold, stand out from a crowd and symbolise the nation. It should also be easily recognised in the distance and in the wind. For the reason of replication I personally would dismiss all silver fern designs. Now before people get up in arms, try drawing a silver fern. Not easy is it? If it is a challenge to adults, how hard is it for a child? That would discount 12 flags. Throw in the koru inspired Union Jack and we have culled the "top 40" to 27.

In fact of the designs that have made the "top 40" only two really stand out for me - Huihui  or Together (https://www.govt.nz/browse/engaging-with-government/the-nz-flag-your-chance-to-decide/gallery/design/20157) and Land of the Long White Cloud (https://www.govt.nz/browse/engaging-with-government/the-nz-flag-your-chance-to-decide/gallery/design/30754). Huihui is my favoured of the two although I would like to change the blue to a different shade of blue and maybe change the read too. However, it is bold. the koru connects our flag to our land and it is easy to replicate as well as stand out from the crowd.

An alternative which marries the tradition of the southern cross with the Tino Rangitiratanga is this one - taken from Gareth Morgan's blog (https://garethsworld.com/flag-page/)

Whakapehapeha

Which means “proudly” in te reo. Paul’s design incorporates elements from both flags and quite cleverly brings in a brand new colour – green – to symbolise our land and a new beginning.

Basis is bringing together traditions of Southern Cross and more recent Tino Rangatiratanga symbols (reversed to reflect long white cloud or sea, as well as a fern) – but adopting new colour (green) uses in neither to symbolise our land and new beginnings.

Designed by: Paul from Canterbury

It stands out. It is simple and easily replicable. 

But enough of the designs. The concern I have and it was re-enforced by the selection of a "top 40" is this is being treated as some sort of "winner takes all" talent contest. "Text now but remember texts cost 50c!" It has been reduced to a popularity contest. Where were the designers and artists on the panel? Yes, the panel says designers and artists were consulted, but there was no obligation to listen to what they suggested. However, to have a designer or an artist or one of each on the panel makes sense and should be done as soon as possible. 

Failure to do this right will result in two possibilities. One, we keep the flag we have. Two, we get lumped with a design that is unimaginative, boring and dumb. We had a chance to this well and properly but I feel we are doing this the wrong way which is sad and also a waste of money.