'New' New Zealand Flags

Here is a selection of some of the best New Zealand flag designs created by Kowhai students.

Molly - Rm 8	"The circle represents love, kindness and unity. The red and black symbols represent the mixing of people and how we all need each other to make up New Zealand. The background represents the green of our beautiful earth and the white of the long white cloud. I think that the New Zealand flag should be changed because times have changed and people have grown to learn new things and met new people. Therefore the British are not the only people that New Zealand has learnt to unite with." By Molly
"The koru represents New Zealand and the unity between all of the different cultures and religions that live in our country. It also represents the head and the tail of the fish (Te Ika O Maui).  The poutama (white steps) are paying respect to all those who have died for New Zealand. It also shows the weaving together of all the peoples as well as representing "The Land of the Long White Cloud". By Kahu	Kahu - Rm 17
Tori - Rm 1	Harriet - Rm 8
Robert - Rm 13	Sam - Rm 9
Simra - Rm 12	Sophie - Rm 8
Kristine	Sangyun
Sheldyn	Taa
Arnold	Emma

Time for change?

As part of our 'belonging' inquiry study we have been looking at national symbols and identity, focussing on the New Zealand flag.

We looked at the history of the current flag and also at the movement for a new flag to be adopted.

Students have designed their own flag incorporating symbols and colours that they felt represented New Zealand.

These designs were created on computers using Serif Drawplus software (see below for a link to download this free programme.)

What Do You Think?

NB: Around 85% of students felt that the flag should be changed.

Change

The common reasons stated for the changing the flag were:

► That it is too similar to other flags (especially the Australian flag).

► Has no representation of Maori or other ethnic groups.

► It doesn't link to our sports team who usually use the silver fern.

► While New Zealand has strong links with Britain these have changed over the years and we are now a more independent country with our own identity.

No Change

Common reasons given for keeping the existing flag were:

► It is part of our history / heritage that needs to be retained.

► To honour those who fought and died under it.

FREE Serif Software

You can download Serif DrawPlus and copies of the other programmes we use at Kowhai from this website at no cost!