New flag

Press, 23 July 1986, Page 18

New flag

Sir—Some 80 per cent of the people of New Zealand are of British descent and culture and any flag should aim at preserving the traditions of both races. A national ensign must be simple to reproduce and for children to draw. The Union Flag and the stars are a little difficult. I prefer the present flag, but make two suggestions. The present flag with a Maori emblem on the fly; or, more simply, in place of the Union Flag, red and white diagonal stripes in the top hoist corner with a Maori-chosen emblem on the fly. (Black or white flags have bad definition against certain backgrounds and in poor light.) Such a flag would represent both races and the Commonwealth. Incidentally, when in Canada recently I noticed that the Union Flag is often flown alongside that of Canada. Before the Europeans came to New Zealand, warring tribes fought for the land. The fact that the last “tribe” was white does not detract from its right to be here, or to advance and preserve its traditions and culture. Almost everything that New Zealand is today is the result of our British background. We must not become polarised, but go forward together as one nation. — Yours, etc.,

J. ANDREW BLAIR, Motueka. July 21, 1986.

Sir,—Having seen the socalled new flag for New Zealand in your paper, I find the design both unimaginative and insipid. It conveys the impression of a green snail sliding backwards downhill. The fern is not exclusive to this country and is regarded in some countries as a sign of cowardice, I believe. On the other hand, I have some sympathy with the notion of a blue Pacific and the Southern Cross. Could we not design something around those? — Yours, C. FREEMAN, Stoke. July 19, 1986.

Sir,—Because the New Zealand flag is not well known abroad, we are being urged to change it. I suggest that, as there are foreigners who are ignorant of where New Zealand is, we should move it. — Yours, etc., BERNARD RICHARDS. July 21, 1986. Sir, —I am unable to accept the latest proposal to change our national flag. Should this design ever become official, I will not salute it, present arms to it, stand to attention for it, or otherwise acknowledge it. — Yours, etc., LESLIE STOKES. „ July 20, .1986. /