Endorsements

Graham Mourie, MBE, Former All Black Captain
Flags have always been symbols, rallying points for those who believe in and are committed to the ideals and aspirations which they represent. There is no doubt in my mind that a distinctively New Zealand flag is long overdue. It would be a clear statement of where, who and what we are in an increasingly homogenised world. I cringe when I see our current flag drawing us back to our northern hemisphere past, linking us to a colonial era long gone, its similarity to that of our colonial cousins denying us the opportunity to stretch out and be ourselves. Interestingly when Shona and I decided to name our children after looking at the heritage we carried with us, Scots, Italian, English, Danish, possibly a bit of Spain and North Africa as well we made the decision to go Kiwi. We now have a Kohia (native passion vine) Rewa (float or Rewa-rewa, native honeysuckle) and a Tai and Moana (twins- coastal waters/surf and lake/sea respectively). Good luck with the change, it's a no brainer really and in my mind has nothing to do with republicanism or any other issue, it's just good common sense.