New Zealand’s possible new flag features fern and stars

New Zealanders have chosen a design for a possible new national flag that features the country’s iconic silver fern alongside the four stars that make up the Southern Cross constellation. On the first vote the winning design was second with 40.2% behind the red/blue version on 41.7%, the “red peak” third on 8.7%, black/white fern 5.7% and the black/white koru design on 3.8%. The official result will be announced on Tuesday and include votes NZ Post date-stamped before voting closed.

The other designs included the controversial Red Peak, a black and white silver fern, and a black and white koru. Whichever flag wins Tuesday will then be pitted head-to-head against the current flag in a second vote to be held in March.

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“Not everyone has a flagpole so people can also fly the flag by getting a flag bumper sticker from the RSA and posting a virtual flag on social media”.

This flag actually received more first choice votes, but lost out due to the victims system.

RSA national president BJ Clark said he was still confident the current flag would be retained despite the selection of Kyle Lockwood’s blue and black silver fern flag. The bright blue represents our clear atmosphere and the Pacific Ocean, over which all New Zealanders, or their ancestors, crossed to get here.

The flag that receives the most votes will be the official flag of New Zealand.

He encouraged New Zealanders who supported the current flag to fly it wherever they could. “I mean, are the people that voted for it blind?” she tweeted.

Prime minister John Key has led the push for reform, saying the existing ensign is a colonial relic that is too easily confused with Australia’s flag.

And residents have spoken in their actions, with 10,292 alternative flag designs suggested.

The five designs are shown at left.

If a flag does not get 50 per cent of voters’ first preferences, the lowest-ranking flag is eliminated.

Mr Key initially supported a silver fern on a black background, but after comparisons were made to the Isis flag he changed his preference to the Silver Fern (Black, White and Blue).

The final four shortlisted designs.