Most of the existing flag proposals have their ethos based on their visual attractiveness and cultural identification of the proposing group, thus failing in two fundamental purposes of every national flag: the need to touch the heart and identity of all nationals; and the requisite to project a serious formal and dignifying image of the country.

Having identified these flaws, this proposal assumes both of these arguments as its conceptual basis, from where an iconographic national flag can be created.

 

To touch the heart and identity of all New Zealanders:

- It inherits the national elements of today's flag: the blue ocean and the red Southern Cross. By doing so, the flag embraces the national colonial history regarding the influence of Europeans in the formation of what New Zealand is today.

- It finally introduces Māori elements: Black (Te Korekore); White (Te Ao Mārama); Red (Te Whei Ao); and the Koru. With these elements, the flag embraces New Zealand's Māori legacy and presence.

- It assumes the silver fern as a national symbol, thus acknowledging the importance of a popular symbol transversal to all New Zealanders, regardless of their ethnic heritage.

To project a serious formal image of the country

- This is a sober and rich visual composition, comprising several identifying national elements in a classic manner, dignifying New Zealand wherever the flag is raised.

- Its complete originality regarding the possible comparison with other flags also promotes the distinctiveness of New Zealand as an independent sovereign state.

 

 

COMPREHENSIVE DESCRIPTION OF THE ELEMENTS

 

Name:

- The proposed name Ponga aims to promote unity among all New Zealanders, as if each was to take the place of a single fern within the Ponga tree.

 

Graphic elements:

- Dimensions: Proportion 1:2

- Colours: Blue (Pantone 280C); Red (Pantone 186C); White; Black (Pantone 6C)

 

Description of the flag elements:

- Blue represents the wide Pacific Ocean where the islands are located, this being the reason why it occupies 2/3 of the total composition.

- The red Southern Cross represents the blood, efforts and guiding stars of all who reached the islands in different times of history.

- The white fern represents the present and life as the consummation of an eternal renewal and development process,  but it may also represent peace and union amongst all New Zealanders.

- Black represents Te Korekore, the realm of potential, the heavens, the long darkness from which the world emerged. Black also represents the male element - formless, floating and passive.

- White represents Te Ao Mārama the realm of being, the world of light, the physical world. White also symbolises purity, harmony enlightenment, and balance.
- Red represents Te Whei Ao, the realm of coming into being. Red also represents active, lashing, southern, falling, emergence, forest, land, and gestation. Red is the female element, Papatuanuku, the earth mother, the sustainer of all living things. Red is also the colour of earth from which the first human was made.

- The Koru represents the unfolding of new life, rebirth, continuity, renewal and hope for the future; the fact that there are 11 Koru indicates that there is one per each physical geographical territory, namely:

Antipodes Islands

Auckland Islands (Motu Maha)

Bounty Islands

Campbell Islands (Motu Ihupuku)

Chatham Islands (Wharekauri, Rekohu)

Kermadec Islands

North Island (Te Ika-a-Māui)

Solander Islands (Hautere)

South Island (Te Waipounamu)

The Snares (Tini Heke)

Three Kings Islands (Ngamotukaraka, Manawa Tawhi)

 

The Ponga aspires to tell the story of a country and of its people. To be identified by nationals and foreigners, inside and outside the country, as a representation of New Zealand.