Southern Cross Rising (a.k.a The Dark Mountain)

Here we have the symbolism of our mountainous land juxtaposed with the familiar Southern Cross.

Retaining the Southern Cross (in a stylised form) in conjunction with the colour black brings together some of the concepts of the current flag and our national identity.

Shaky Isles

This design represents the real colour of New Zealand (blue sky, green mountains, blue Pacific). It suggests rugged mountains and deep valleys, whilst also representing the three main islands. It also hints at the tumultuous nature of the land, a reminder that New Zealand is seismically active.

This design would be undeniably distinctive.

An alternative, simplified version of the above, features a lighter blue "sky".

Stylised Silver Fern

This was my very first attempt, embracing a stylised silver fern design with blue bands to represent New Zealand's place in the Pacific. I feel that a totally black flag with a fern just looks too bland and lacks vitality. This is my only design utilising a golden rectangle shape.

In an alternative, I have reinstated the 2:1 ratio. Let me add my apologies to Canada for plagiarising their flag. On that subject, I note that Dick Frizzell has designed a very similar flag, using green instead of blue. I am unable to say whose design came first, however I am sure the similarity is purely coincidental.

One concern of mine regarding the silver fern is that it has at times been mistaken by some people as a white feather - the symbol of cowardice. If New Zealand is to produce a flag featuring a silver fern, it should be designed so that there is no mistaking it.

The next question is how stylised does an image have to be no longer be a picture? The stylised fern promoted by nzflag.com is so stylised as to be unrecognisable. My feeling is we should probably steer away from the silver fern altogether.

Hundertwasser's flag design for New Zealand

Of all the designs mooted for New Zealand, this is one I like most. Perhaps the green's a bit drab, but the design is unique and distinctive.

8/10

Flag of Timor-Leste (East Timor)

I love this flag! It is striking and distinctive. I particularly like the colours.

I think if you held it vertically (with the black triangle at the bottom) it could look a bit like a corporate logo (almost an Ansett logo) but fortunately it avoids this because you will never see it hung that way.

10/10