I first began sketching ideas for a new flag when I was living overseas, and thinking longingly of New Zealand. This design finally resolved itself back here, years later, after many hours walking the coastal tracks near my home at Karekare. Here is a brief outline of the thought behind its main components.
1) The bold simplicity of our koru lends itself perfectly to a flag. A good flag's insignia should be instantly discernible at any scale, and I believe simple enough for anyone to draw from memory. The symbolism of the koru is positive - new life unfolding, growth, hope for the future. It is unique to New Zealand - no other country's flag has a spiral motif. I like the ideology of Hundertwasser's proposed version, but I wanted this koru to be more open, with more natural, flowing lines. Its shape is open to interpretation, suggesting fern, wave, mountain or cloud.
2) Our geographical position defines us, and bonds us with our South Pacific neighbours. For this reason I have retained the Southern Cross, in a form similar to our current flag, but here balanced symmetrically with the koru. Inclusion of the Southern Cross also acknowledges our past, and remembers all those who served under it defending their country.
3) The colours build on New Zealand's strong existing identification (primarily through sporting achievements), with black and white. The third colour in this design - red, bestows depth and emotion. It was chosen in favour of green, which I feel is too literal and doesn't match red's warmth or spirit. Black, white and red are traditional pigments of our land; they complement the colours of our bush, and are powerfully symbolic. They echo the Tino Rangatiratanga flag, which I have much respect for, and the same representations may apply: Black - the darkness from which the world emerged, male, potential. White - the physical world of being, purity, harmony, light. Red - the realm of creation, female, sustaining energy. These colours have broad appeal across different sectors of our culture, and would place no limits on the versatility of the flag's use.
Embracing a new national flag could open many new possibilities for
us as a country. I believe this flag would bring us closer together, and
provide a more heartfelt sense of identity.
Jeffy James
October, 2004