This was one of the first concepts I considered for a flag design, although it went through many variations and became quite a soul-searching process.
I tried to look beyond the short-term expectations for a new flag, envisaging what Aotearoa/New Zealand will stand for in a hundred or more year's time. I was looking for the essence of our culture, something simple and striking, one icon that would represent us all. In the end it came down to the koru. Nothing else was needed.
The design functions optimally with just two colours - a feature which would give us a leading edge among international flags. The colour combination was chosen as the one most likely to gain identification and promote inclusiveness with all New Zealanders. White already has strong existing links. Dark blue is a natural transition from the royal blue of our current ensign, as well as from the black of the Tino Rangatiratanga flag and the black of our Silver Fern sporting emblem.
In addition to the koru's inherent symbolism of growth, new life and hope, the form suggests our fern, sea and cloud. The intertwining spirals represent the past and future joining, and diverse cultures living together in balance.
This flag is intended as a visible inspiration for the future we are striving to create.
Jeffy James
November 2004