Of a very bad bunch, if it has to be changed at all I would pick either the "New Southern Cross" (same colour scheme except with the Union Flag removed and the stars centralised) or the red, white and blue fern design, Southern Cross and colours as existing but with a diagonal white fern in place of the Union Flag with the corner shaded red. That way you still have red, white and blue which are both Maori colours and symbolise British heritage, as well as a symbol used by the ANZACs as far back as 1916 which could make it acceptable to veterans.
Key commented that the maple leaf is now so synonymous with Canadians worldwide that no Canadian would ever want to go back to their previous Union Flag ensign. That may well be true, but if a similar approach is wanted for NZ then it has to be either the kiwi or the fern. The koru is virtually unknown outside NZ and has no recognisable association to NZ. As the kiwi is out, it looks like it'll be the fern!
That said, personally I hope it doesn't change at all. Key's motives for pushing it through are more to do with his "legacy" than the good of NZ I think, plus the timing is inappropriate to say the least. This should not be being considered in the centenary year of Anzac. Personally, I've always felt a great sense of pride that my country's flag is on the NZ flag - my home and my "second home" all on one flag - but that's just me!
Interestingly, this is the flag of the "Black Country", which is the region where I live in the UK. It is the cradle of the industrial revolution and the flag symbolises the black (coal) and fires of industry. The cone is to symbolise the area's worldwide renown for glass making and the chains heavy industry. My home town made the anchor for the Titanic amongst others, and my family were involved in the iron industry for over two hundred years.
Interestingly, this flag was the result of a competition and was only adopted two years ago, previously there was no flag for this area. It has been hugely popular and can be seen all over the area, even in some people's gardens and out of house windows. For me it's far better than anything on the NZ longlist... and it was designed by a 12-year old schoolgirl!
Here's Frank again wavering himself around .. Frankly it, currently its pretty stupid .. all for a 'Knob' who really wants a name plate in history.
