Top 50 Most Artistic New NZ Flag Designs

Feb 18
2016

According to His Highness Sir Funkalot the following works are chosen based on their artistic qualities: things that make them stand out for uniqueness, colour, contrast, and incorporating tasty elements of Maori graphic design.

Alpine

This design was inspired in part by the “Fluttering the fern” design depicted in the http://www.designassembly.org.nz/ website which reminded me of a tree lined road in shadow meandering upwards I have modified the design, so that the image looks a little more like trees and added the conical shape resembling a snow peaked mountain rising out of the sea symbolising Aotearoa/ Land of the long white cloud. The stars are taken from the southern cross of the original NZ flag with the lower star in blue (Ocean)background acknowledging the original flag and those who have served under it and the other stars surrounded by black symbolising our ancestors in prominent place in the upper right (or left in reverse), quadrant. The green of the lower mountain serves to symbolise our clean green image as well as off setting the predominant black and white of our national colours.

Zeal (Simplified v2)

This design is another simplified version of my original design, entitled Zeal. It is based on the iconography of the shape of our islands and the koru. Our map – our islands – are an enduring and unchanging icon of New Zealand. Our land sustains us and has strongly shaped our culture and character as a nation. In this version the abstract shape of the islands is significantly simplified, but the north and south islands are distinguished by the alternate stripe directions. Gordon Walter’s simplified koru motif powerfully evokes New Zealand as can be seen in his seminal artwork. Unmistakably Kiwi, it relates universally to all Kiwis due to the abundance of ferns in our great outdoors. The koru symbolises life and growth. Walter’s iconic design will age well due to its simplicity. I have retained the colours and fimbriation of the 1902 New Zealand flag. Two stars are retained in reference to the Pointers of the Southern Cross. The stars balance the design, in which the top half is a mirror image of the lower half. My primary influences are Gordon Walter’s artwork and Turi Park’s 2004 design published on www.nzflag.com.

Puhoro pattern

Suggested by: David Lamont Gurr from Wellington

This is an old Arawa pattern that I thought would make a great flag (Te Arawa might disagree). This version has a traditional colour scheme. I believe the Maori element of NZ is the only thing that sets us apart from the rest of the Anglosphere and, luckily, Maori visual design is world class! Note: I am not Maori.

The journey

This flag is about the journey that began, the arrival, and the journey yet to be foretold (the horizontal line/koru symbolises the boat and canoes . It embraces the history of the union jack as well as incorporating the journey of Maori and South Pacific. It represents our diverse cultures and the growing Koru symbolises our strength and growth as a nation.

Te haki o Aotearoa / the New Zealand flag VII

Kahurangi, cloak of the heavens, the blue of sky, also stands for the vast Pacific and a blessed pacific nation. The white pitau, or unfurling fern frond, is the ‘silver fern’ in its emergent form. It speaks optimistically for life, growth and a youthful nation. It stands for people and the richness of diverse culture. The basic pitau form acknowledges Māori as tangata whenua – first peoples in this land – and with its smaller, individual koru elements offers strength to all who live here. The pitau is protecting, nurturing and encompassing, and expresses how we want to be as a people. Aotearoa New Zealand is the first nation to see the new day. Black stands for each night that is broken. This flag says that the people of this nation wish to be found as leaders and innovators, where potential is realised. Light, wisdom, strength and nurture are brought into each new day. Māhutonga, the Southern Cross, is a guide – a reminder of the navigation that went before us and an encouragement for each to face their own bold new exploits. It is also a reminder to acknowledge our human scale and to use our time well.

Aotearoa Kiwi (Black & Silver)

Why this Flag? Rendered in black and white to starkly highlight New Zealand’s three most internationally known icons. Description: Three panels of black, white and black. It includes Maori, British heritage and multicultural elements of NZ. Maori Heritage elements: – Koru (representing growth) reaching outwards. British Heritage elements: – Southern Cross (simplified) from NZ Ensign flag Multicultural Society elements: 3-panels showing; – Multiple silver ferns (representing the strength of our past supporting us now, as well as out flora and natural heritage); – Simplified Southern Cross on black sky (our future focus & place in the Southern hemisphere); – White cloud around black kiwi (representing the NZ people at the heart of Aotearoa). – The koru reach out to embrace both sides of the flag (representing NZ’s growth and friendship overseas as well as our natural heritage). Intellectual Property Considerations For the following icons: – Silver Fern: An intellectual property free fern – Kiwi: From the Royal New Zealand Air Force emblem – The Southern Cross: Personal design modified from the New Zealand Flag – Grouped Ferns: Inspired from the ferns on the cover of the New Zealand Passport

Journey -blue

My design is an adaptation of the Tino rangatiratanga flag emblem and Gordon Walters koru motif – what I consider as powerful symbols of modern NZ. The Southern Cross is a reference to the existing flag and also our collective past. Traditional colouring.

NZ ‘CANTING’ FLAG ” NEW – SEA – LAND” under SOUTHERN CROSS V1

NZ represented in a “canting” Flag, two facing sea waves, creating new land ..ö.. again also this idea lends itself to all Government Applications as well as all Merchandising issues !

New Zealand Classic & Modern

This is my design the first thing what i make is maintain some objects of the old flag i think this creation is a fusion of the old with the new one, keeping the same color and same line red with border white like the british but with a new beauty design classic and modern, showing the Coat of Arms in remarkable size.

Links [clean*]

“Two waka meet under a long white cloud and together create a new nation.” The koru form is a convergence of European and Maori artistic traditions developed by Gordon Walters. ____ Vertical hanging is equally effective, and also suggests the Southern Cross. In black and white, relationships are more fluid and evocative. The detail is centred for a 3:2 ratio from the hoist, allowing variation. ____ [* This is a replacement image: The first got mis-processed (and confused the taggers).]

Kowhaiwhai Kaponga 6

The Silver Fern and Southern Cross were adapted from the Kyle Lockwood’s ‘Blue Design’ suggested by: silverfernflag.org from Wellington. The Kôwhaiwhai rafter pattern was based on that designed by Neil Mussett from International, which originates from the border of The Badge of the Order of New Zealand. The three primary elements of the design are: • The Kôwhaiwhai pattern representing Maori culture and tradition • The Silver fern as a recognized and respected symbol of New Zealand • The Southern Cross that in the night sky defines the position of New Zealand. The elements are on the blue background representing the surrounding ocean and sea, and the day-time sky.

NZ Flag – Past, Present and Future

Dear Flag design team, I have attached here a design which I have been working on. This came about with the following thoughts in brief: Divided into three equal parts Blue – left hand colour represents our PAST. The flag that our ancestors represented New Zealand under. Words that come to mind – honouring our connections with each other and the world – huge respect, depth of understanding from where our nation has come from. Developed from a rich and unique past. Green – top is our PRESENT. Eco sustainability, representing the learning from our past and holding our future in our hands. Respecting and connecting with all elements we hold to progress forward with our precious land, creatures and peoples. Red – right hand colour represents our FUTURE. How we sit in our future with passion, togetherness, learning, understanding and having initiated this from our past and present learning. Where do we see ourselves as an individual and important nation on a domestic and world stage. The circle represents the sacred circle of NZ life. Iconic Maori design. The centre represents iconic history and NZ life. I can already see changes and further progressive design elements. However this is

NZ Elements

This design incorporates the following elements, elements which I believe are capable of being appreciated by all New Zealanders. Koru – Growth, new beginnings and harmony. Silver Fern – Iconic symbol of New Zealand’s sporting heritage. The design is taken from a design submitted here called ‘themotuhake’, which I’ve altered. Southern Cross – Is a distinctively southern hemisphere constellation which locates New Zealand geographically. Historically a useful guide to navigators of the South Pacific, which was recognised as an anchor or an aperture by Māori. Green – The encompassing natural beauty of New Zealands forests, hills and plains . Black – ‘Te Korekore’, the unlimited reservoir of latent energy and potential that exists intangibly everywhere. Blue – The seas which surround and touch New Zealand on every side, and which have long provided New Zealanders sustenance, a navigable link for coastal communities and which remain of great recreational value. Red – ‘Te Whai Ao’, or ‘coming into being’, the creation spark, its waka shape representing a vessel carrying our people in a shared voyage. White line – ‘Aotearoa’ and ‘Te Ao MĀrama, the realm of being and light, the power that exists in the present and in action.

Fern, Koru and Stars

Suggested by: John Berry from Waikato

Fern, Koru, long white cloud, union jack (ish) and southern cross. red white blue and black. A lot of symbolism for a not too busy design

Our Islands

This abstracted shape of a map New Zealand has been designed to show the island itself with utilising the blue and red from our existing flag and commonwealth roots. This is variation 2.

Jack’s Fern

Suggested by: Henry Martindale from Northland

It combines history with eloquence and brings New Zealand into a bright prosperous future with a smart clean design.

Fern Rugby on Red Black

I designed this silver fern with rugby balls – a nod to the All Blacks.

United Tribes

Suggested by: Mike from Canterbury

This is the original flag of NZ

Aotearoa New Zealand

This design unites the well recognised silver fern with the koru of the Tino Ranagtiratanga flag. It brings together the modern day elements of New Zealand and pays tribute to the heritage that we share as a nation. The silver fern commands instant recognition, and including it in the flag leverages the brand recognition that it receives as the emblem of our sports teams globally. It’s a familiar element that will aid it in getting buy both locally and internationally. The koru from the Tino Rangatiratanga flag is emblematic of our population that is both ethnically diverse and accommodating of many cultures. The blue, red and white colour scheme is drawn from our previous flag and acknowledges our relationship with the British empire. Fern design by Kyle Lockwood.

Sum of its Parts (revised)

This is a revision of the flag design I already posted here. I added an intellectual property, copyright free silver fern design.

Koru Huanui (Pathways) — No.2

This flag symbolises our pathways with each koru growing together illustrating a different journey. Reflected in these four koru are the themes of these pathways (huanui), the original Māori migration (red), British & European settlement (blue), Pacific & Asian journeys to Aotearoa (green), and the more than two hundred other ethnic groups that call New Zealand home (black). The use of the four koru also represent the main stars of the Southern Cross (Māhutonga). The colour symbolises; ‘the land of the long white cloud’ (white), the sky, water and British & European heritage (blue), our people and indigenous culture (red), our unique flora & fauna / land (green), and our traditions and national colour (black).

Kiwi or Cloud (1b)

Kiwi or Cloud (1b) The iconic Kiwi abstract is framed as the centrepiece of the proposal. The black sky; New Zealand’s most recognisable colour – famously worn by the All Blacks and flown daily by Air New Zealand – provides the backdrop to the incorporation and retention the southern cross – a symbol of New Zealand’s european history within the south Pacific. In this iteration, the Kiwi if fully white and boldly divides the flag where the deep blue of our existing emblem is retained. Whilst the iconic Kiwi abstract clearly sits as centrepiece of the proposal, the design could be interpreted differently. The conjoining elements of sea (blue), and dark sky (black) are intersected by the land (white) – The Land of the Long White Cloud. Bold, iconic and memorable, this flag proposal is representative of our Pacifica nation – past and present – our people, our land and our heritage.

Kowhaiwhai Kaponga 2

The Kiwi Flag – Family – Option No. 1

This flag design should represent all New Zealanders. Goals A national flag, which are to love the people and ultimately can be proud. This design should be simple, aesthetic and timeless. Symbols / Meaning • The white fern represents the new New Zealand and is part of their uniqueness and culture. • The character is a symbol in the style of the Maori. • Important values of the country as family, future, caring and environment to be implemented here pictorially. Construction / colors • The design of the national flag is harmony, but also gives a continuous, dynamic movement. • The blue color symbolizes the vastness of the southern sky. • The red color is related to the Maori culture. • The white color embodies the ideals of good. Particularities • This option should be clearly distinguished by the azure color of the uniform flag with the black background. • A particular emphasis is placed by the 3-dimensional effect of the elements. • A modern, individual design of fern leaf with a Maori symbol and emphasizing the harmony of the unity of the population. Ralph Fierz Tags fern, maori, white, blue, red, silver, contemporary, family, multiculturalism, unity, kiwi. Credit for the fern design goes to NZ Trade and Enterprise.

The Kiwi Flag – Family – Option No. 1

Waves of Eternity – On Flag

“Koru” sign, which symbolize beginning of life, is born from blue which represents tranquility, peace and ocean. Koru depicts new beginnings, growth and harmony with continuing its way mixing with “Triple Twist” which represents joining together two or more cultures for eternity. It is also symbol of loyalty and friendship. Near to “Triple Twist” there are leaves of silver fern. Fern is known as a symbol of New Zealand, also represents honour and sincerity towards others. On top there are four stars which New Zealand flag already has. And white represents equality, fairness impartiality, neutrality and independence. Because it contains an equal balance of all the colors of the spectrum. In brief, that flag is combining essential parts of New Zealand culture in its own.

Zealandia

The Waka acknowledges the first colonization of New Zealand by her Maori people. The colours blend those of the European colonizers and the Maori. The fern reflects our sporting prowess and pride and together with the mountains acknowledges our natural splendour. The three mountains represent the three main islands as well as the generations of New Zealanders.

Aotearoa

The new flag represents a modern and independent New Zealand with growth and progress. All residents of New Zealand should be able to identify with the new flag. The main elements are the “Silver Fern” and the „white Star“. The design is simple, clear and timeless chosen. The two green areas represent the two main islands of New Zealand. The white star is related to all the people of New Zealand and stands also for multiculturalism. The silver fern stands for the diversity of nature. The meaning of the colors: Green: represents the beauty and uniqueness of the Green Island. Blue: symbolizes the sea and the blue sky. White: represents peace and freedom, Aoteareoa: Land of the Long White Cloud. All in all, a very nice timeless flag which reflects important values of the New Zealanders. Ps: The fern is copied from the Internet: NZ Trade & Enterprise

Zeal

There are five recurring icons of New Zealand commonly proposed for the flag: the southern cross, the silver fern, the kiwi, the koru and the shape of our islands. My preference is for the latter two, because the fern and kiwi are overused and have been appropriated by corporate and sporting identities. It is hard to avoid these symbols appearing cartoonish and stylisations will date with time. The southern cross is not uniquely special to New Zealand and is therefore not an ideal symbol to differentiate our nation from others. Our map – our islands – are an enduring and unchanging icon of New Zealand. Our land sustains us and has strongly shaped our culture and character as a nation. Gordon Walter’s simplified koru motif powerfully evokes New Zealand as can be seen in his seminal artwork. Unmistakably Kiwi, it relates universally to all Kiwis due to the abundance of ferns in our great outdoors. The koru symbolises life and growth. Walter’s iconic design will age well due to its simplicity. I have retained the colours and fimbriation of the 1902 New Zealand flag. My primary influences are Gordon Walter’s artwork and Turi Park’s 2004 design published on www.nzflag.com.

Land of the Kiwi

A kiwi outline, the national animal of NZ, together with the Southern Cross, using traditional colours.

Aotearoa – Design #2

This design and colour scheme is inspired by ‘The land of the long white cloud’, The New Zealand coat of arms and key colour elements from within The National Maori flag and The Blue Ensign. The flag represents New Zealand’s history / heritage with the promise of renewal and hope for the future. Please note, this flag has been sensitively designed to ensure that it appeals to a broad audience / demographic and stands the test of time. It is instantly recognizable, simple, uses a strong contrasting, relevant colour scheme and works at all sizes and in reverse.

Embrace

Instead of the Union Jack, I used the colours White, Blue (Pantone 280C), Red (Pantone 186C), to represent that New Zealand is part of the commonwealth. Since the original idea of the southern cross indicates the location of the country, and more importantly, the stars are the main elements in the current flag, which would help the foreigners to recognise the new flag easily. So the stars should be remained. The key elements on the new flag is the Silver Fern, which has a Koru on the top as well. This combination of the two main icons of New Zealand not only could represent the personality of New Zealanders and the culture of Maori, but also creates a unique impression for the people outside New Zealand. This flag have been modified a little bit based on the former flag that I have designed earlier. And thank you for those who have suggested this flag design 🙂

Maheno Te Punga

Suggested by: Chris Pettit from Auckland

Maheno brings both Māori and European ideas together through geometric abstraction and Māori culture expressed through both image and language with the koru Te Punga Is the Souther cross seen by Maori as an anchor from a great sky canoe representing the discovery of New Zealand.

Sailors Grip with Stars Variation 1 (red)

Two Gordon Walters koru, each representing a wave of immigration to New Zealand, hold each other in a sailors grip. This interlocking grip is the most powerful possible, making use of both parties strength to remain firm and safe. Above the two koru sits the guiding stars of the Southern Cross, or in the Maori tradition the Anchor or Arrow. No matter what object they represent, they function to help us find our way, and remind us of home.

Aotearoa

Aotearoa (land of the long white cloud) Two colours black and white or black and silver. Black (our unofficial national colour symbolising strength) All Blacks, Black Sticks, Black Caps. The fern our unofficial symbol. The top white section symbolises the long white cloud and the bottom white section symbolises our rolling lands. The black that surrounds the fern symbolises the ocean that surrounds our islands. The fern is made up entirely of North and South islands (look closely). The koru features prominately, another national symbol representing a ‘new beginning’ or in this case a geologically ‘new land’. The koru design (between each north) island has a twofold meaning. Firstly, the actual design itself represents the ‘ships’ (planes, boats, canoes, past present and future) that have bought many peoples to our land. Secondly, the overall fern design looks aesthetically more complete symbolising our current society i.e. as a result of this integration of many peoples our society is not only ‘more complete’ but ‘aesthetically more complete’. New Zealand would not be complete without Stewart Island, so it has been included. P.S. This flag would be the only one (that I know of) that has the shape of the land mass integrated

NZ Flag v2 by Allan Spinks

NZ Logo from 74 Commonwealth Games (altered colour and shape) Southern Cross and New Zealand Fern These three elements depict New Zealand as we know it with classical NZ design, fern and Southern Cross Colours: Black, silver, (grey) red and background white I think this would make a good NZ flag because the design has clean lines is easily recognisable, and is a 3 colour option with the ability to use silver (instead of grey) to greatly enhance the visual appearance for both branding and marketing our Country

Land Cloud and Sky II

Why this Flag? Three panels (Triptych) highlighting the most iconic symbols of New Zealand. It evokes the Tino rangatiratanga flag with the red, white and black panels (earth, sky and people) Description: It includes Maori, British heritage and multicultural elements of NZ. Maori Heritage elements: – Red white & black colours. – Red colour used from Tino rangatiratanga flag. – Koru (representing growth) reaching out towards both the future and our ties to the past British Heritage elements: – Southern Cross from NZ flag. – Red white & blue colours. – Blue colour used from NZ Ensign Flag. Multicultural Society elements: 3-panels (Triptych) showing; – Red background (representing the earth) with silver fern (representing our natural strength & heritage); – Black background & Southern Cross (our future focus & place in the Southern hemisphere); – White cloud around blue kiwi (representing the NZ people at the heart of Aotearoa and our colonial past). Intellectual Property Considerations For the following icons: – Silver Fern: An intellectual property free fern – Kiwi: From the Royal New Zealand Air Force emblem – The Southern Cross: Modified from the New Zealand Flag Note: My first flag version is ID#: 14466 https://www.govt.nz/browse/engaging-with-government/the-nz-flag-your-chance-to-decide/gallery/design/14466

Long White Cloud – Tricolour (26)

A variety of colour ways for the Long White Cloud – Tricolour series of designs already submitted. A simple and unique three colour flag based on the tricolour tradition, but with New Zealand relevance. The white cloud is made using a koru pattern in the iconic style of Gordon Walters.

Kiwi Journey (black and white version)

Under the stars, we all came. First in a Waka, across the Pacific. Soon this green land became a part of us and we became a part of it. We identify with the Kiwi and the Fern and they bind our distinct cultures together. In this flag, can you see.. the waka? the sea? the fern? the land? two kiwi merged together with each other and the land and the fern? This flag integrates all of these and shows how we can be a great nation with distinct and harmonious cultures, free, equal and united by a strong national identity which acknowledges the past and symbolises our journey into the future.

Aotearoa NZ Flag 1

Kaupapa I have taken the view that because we have two flags the NZEnsign and the Tino Rangatiratanga Flag we need to have one flag again that joins the mana of Maori, Pakeha and Manuhiri. By taking the Tino Rangatiratanga flag and enhancing the design to incorporate what it is to be a New Zealander in general I hope I have come up with a flag that has the widest appeal and meaning. The Treaty is also recognised by the designs recognition of the Tino flag and the Red White and Blue. The centre motif shows the importance of the sea and the land represented by waves and a pounamu pattern. The Southern Cross of course points the way to Aotearoa and the Kiwi flora/fauna motif is identifiable by all Kiwis and around the world. This Flag is a design that speaks to me as a Kiwi and as a Pakeha that knows the history of Maori, Pakeha and Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

Maunga ki te Moana, Mountains to the Sea

Suggested by: Sam Scott from Auckland

The flag represents Maunga ki te Moana – the concept of encompassing environment essential to kaitiakitanga. Land of first sunrise – reds for the sky Land of mountains and long white cloud – whites for the land Island nation – blue for the sea – recognises our ocean migrations Koru element of new life- our NZ heritage Southern cross – for our geographical location Red, white, blue – recognise our existing flag under which many fought for freedom.

Simplified Symthe & Walters

Many flags reference the work of Gordon Walters and his simplified koru artwork. Designer Michael Symthe has long promoted versions of Walters artwork as a flag, if that is to be the case, my preference has always been to further simplify the design to just two simple koru in black & white. Black is our traditional colour, making the design unique and distinguishable from other flags. White represents ‘the land of the long white cloud’, our location.

Long White Cloud – Tricolour (28)

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Top 50 Most Artistic New NZ Flag Designs

Alpine

Zeal (Simplified v2)

Puhoro pattern

The journey

Te haki o Aotearoa / the New Zealand flag VII

Aotearoa Kiwi (Black & Silver)

Journey -blue

NZ ‘CANTING’ FLAG ” NEW – SEA – LAND” under SOUTHERN CROSS V1

New Zealand Classic & Modern

Links [clean*]

Kowhaiwhai Kaponga 6

NZ Flag – Past, Present and Future

NZ Elements

Fern, Koru and Stars

Our Islands

Jack’s Fern

Fern Rugby on Red Black

United Tribes

Aotearoa New Zealand

Sum of its Parts (revised)

Koru Huanui (Pathways) — No.2

Kiwi or Cloud (1b)

Kowhaiwhai Kaponga 2

The Kiwi Flag – Family – Option No. 1

The Kiwi Flag – Family – Option No. 1

Waves of Eternity – On Flag

Zealandia

Aotearoa

Zeal

Land of the Kiwi

Aotearoa – Design #2

Embrace

Maheno Te Punga

Sailors Grip with Stars Variation 1 (red)

Aotearoa

NZ Flag v2 by Allan Spinks

Land Cloud and Sky II

Long White Cloud – Tricolour (26)

Kiwi Journey (black and white version)

Aotearoa NZ Flag 1

Maunga ki te Moana, Mountains to the Sea

Simplified Symthe & Walters

Long White Cloud – Tricolour (28)

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