New Zealand displays the newest possible national flag
with a blue and black design associated with a silver fern.
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| photo credit to owner |
The flag above is the preliminary winner which is entitled "The Silver Fern". This new design is the preliminary winner in a referendum conducted by the New Zealand government. The runner-up for the flag design has also almost the same design but showcased the colors red, white and blue.
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| photo credit to owner |
The flag design above is the first runner-up among the two designs submitted by Kyle Lockwood.
Authorities will announce the winner on Tuesday when all votes from
late and overseas voters are casted. The result will also change soon after all
votes are counted since the winning margin is very narrow.
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| photo credit to owner |
Meanwhile, the photo above is the second runner-up which is known as the Red Peak. It was originally designed by Aaron Dustin. This is the design that was popular on social media sites.
However, there will still be a second referendum to be held sometime
in March 2016 to decide whether the winner of the new flag design will be used
or just to keep the existing national flag.
New Zealand
residents were asked to vote among five flag designs for their most preferred
flag. Voting resulted in about 48 percent of eligible individuals during the
first referendum which has resulted in various criticisms due to the timing and
the cost of the referendum.
National Flag
Designers
The preliminary winner and runner up national flag designs were made
by architect Kyle Lockwood. His design featured the icons of New Zealand which
are the silver fern and the Southern Cross. Meanwhile, the second runner-up was
the Red Peak, which was just added to the official balloting after residents lobbied
for it to be included in the referendum.
The 5 National Flag Finalists
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| photo credit to owner |
Who backed the
national flag change?
Prime Minister John Key has a lot to say in deciding to choose a new
flag for their country. He manifested that the existing national flag was too
similar to that of the Australian flag and that it is high time to remove the
Union Jack from the design.
Engaging countrymen
The government was happy on the turnout of the voting which resulted
in high expectations which showed that the New Zealanders are engaged in the
decision of changing the design of their national flag.
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