Kiwis reveal their flag desires

After just one week, at least 588 flag designs have been published after members of the public submitted their designs.

Kiwis see their eponymous flightless bird and lingering links with the Commonwealth as pivotal to national identity, according to the first tranche of proposed new national flags.

The Flag Consideration Panel, overseeing new flag proposals, today revealed the most frequently-cited themes in new flag designs.

Although foreigners might equate New Zealand with sheep and rugby, the kiwi and the Commonwealth were more likely to be referenced in new flag designs.

So were concepts of freedom, equality, future, family, heritage, peace and respect.

After just one week, at least 588 flag designs have been published after members of the public submitted their designs on the standfor.co.nz website.

• You can see the gallery here
• Submit your own design
here

History was often cited in new flag designs, and the silver fern also featured on many in the flag design gallery.

But some designs gave a nod to new technology. A new entry from designer Simon Aiken featured an "embedded" QR code - a type of barcode that can be scanned by mobile devices - rotated 45 degrees.

Some "offensive or divisive" designs have been turned down. One rejected entry featured the "smiling poop emoji".

Flag designs using the image of a person were also off-limits. One such entry seen on social media replaced the Union Jack and Southern Cross with five clones of an infamous photo of a scowling, black-clad, high-collared, sunglasses-wearing Helen Clark.

"Flags should be a symbol of pride and unify the community they represent," the Flag Consideration Project's minimum standards stipulated.

Panel chairman Professor John Burrows said the campaign was generating "passionate responses" from many people.

"It is great to see those that are getting involved in genuine discussion about the flag and what makes New Zealand special," Prof Burrows said.

The new flag debate has also generated headlines overseas.

"Not only does the flag have to separate its identity from Australia, it also must choose whether or not to graphically include any part of its long history in the British Commonwealth," design and technology website Gizmodo said.

"The flag could also attempt to acknowledge New Zealand's indigenous Maori population, which currently has its own flag. That's a tall order for a single rectangle."

Prof Burrows said his panel's task was to absorb feedback and use the most salient themes as flag designs were suggested.

He said there'd be more chances for public input soon.

"The nationwide community workshops and engagement hui start at the end of this week and they too will help inform us of what New Zealanders are looking for in their flag."

The closing date for flag designs is July 16.

Meanwhile, more than 5000 people have elected to have their name etched on the national flagpole monument, Te Pou Herenga Tangata.

The monument, which means "the post that binds the people together" will be erected at Te Papa.