New Flag (Press, 25 July 1986)

In letters published on 25 July 1986, New Zealanders express their opinions regarding the ongoing discussions about a new national flag amidst pressing economic issues. The first letter criticises politicians for what the writer perceives as a focus on trivial matters like nuclear ships and the Rainbow Warrior incident, instead of addressing severe economic decline affecting the country. The writer, M. Ferguson from Springs Junction, questions the need for a new flag and suggests that if one were to be created, it should feature a red background with a small green Kiwi with its head in the sand, symbolising ignorance or denial. P. McLaughlin follows up with a critique of a recently unveiled flag design, describing it as unappealing and likening it to a “boring beach towel.” In contrast, another writer highlights the significance of the silver fern as a symbol of New Zealand identity. The letter recalls the pride associated with the silver fern, illustrated through the writer's remembrance of her husband, a representative oarsman in the 1920s. After moving to England in the 1930s, he would play golf in his blazer adorned with the silver fern. This led to a humorous encounter with local boys who immediately recognised him as a New Zealander. Overall, the letters reflect a mixture of frustration over political distractions during economic hardship, dissatisfaction with proposed new flag designs, and fondness for traditional symbols like the silver fern that embody national pride.

The text on this page is created, in the most part, using Generative AI and so may contain errors or omissions. It is supplied to you without guarantee or warranty of correctness. If you find an error or would like to make a content suggestion please get in contact

The text on this page is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 New Zealand