Endorsements

Alan Duff, Author, Founder "Books in Homes"
It's time our flag said something about ourselves, what we have become - not that we were once part of the British Empire. But a unique breed with unique qualities of national identity. In this new age of brands and symbolism let's create our brand to symbolise what we Kiwis are as a nation. Which means under no circumstances allow the politicians to have a say in this, other than to respond to a referendum of we the people expressing our will.

Anna Rowberry, Silver Fern
Since my selection into the Silver Ferns I have become very proud to see our Kiwi flag fly high at our test matches. The flag that always stands out for me because of its originality is the black flag with the fern on it. To play away from home in a foreign country and to see a crowd full of black ferns definitely makes you feel proud to be a Kiwi and really does identify you as being a New Zealander. As an athlete growing up in New Zealand, wearing the silver fern is something you aspire to. To one day see our fern placed on our nation's flag would, for me, make New Zealand feel like a nation with its own identity.

Barbara Kendall, MBE, Olympic Gold, Silver, Bronze Medalist
When I first got to represent New Zealand overseas at my first world championship in 1984 the proudest moment was when I got the silver fern to attach to my blazer. For me personally, when I represent New Zealand, the silver fern has a lot more significance than the New Zealand flag as it is unique to our country and our people.

Barnaby Weir, Musician/Songwriter 'Blacks Seeds', 'Flash Harry', 'Dub Connection'
I'm a young musician who is very proud of our country. I think New Zealand deserves a new flag so that it can re-establish itself as a unique country with unique visual identity. I believe that our present flag doesn't represent our current culture in this country nor is it a very interesting or inspiring design. I support a referendum for change. nzflag.com's proposed design is a good start for debate. However, I prefer the Austrian artist Friedensrich Hundertwasser's design for a New Zealand flag, a green Koru on a white flag. Lets change the way we see ourselves and the way others in the world see us.

Bernice Mene, MNZM, Former Captain Silver Ferns
The significance of our flag never occurred to me until I had retired from international netball and was a spectator at the last World Champs. Seeing the participating teams' flags all in a row flying outside the main arena I struggled to differentiate New Zealand's from Australia's and many of the other Commonwealth countries. I believe New Zealanders are ready for change and what an opportunity we have to take responsibility for our own national identity, to help create a unique symbol of New Zealand today and as we do so well in other areas, to set ourselves apart from the rest of the world.

More Endorsements »