Expat boss backs flag change

The head of New Zealand’s expat organisation has called for a new national flag, saying the silver fern best represents New Zealand on the world stage.

Kea New Zealand Global CEO Craig Donaldson is so inspired by the alternative flag design that he has had it flying above his Coatesville home since it was selected in the first referendum.

He says he was “ecstatic” when this design, which features a silver fern and the Southern Cross against a black and blue background, was chosen out of all the other options to go up against the incumbent flag.

“The Union Jack represents our connection to Britain, an important part of our history as a nation, but for me the question is: what symbol best represents New Zealand in the 21st century?” he says in an editorial in support of a flag change.

“Personally I support fresh change and a symbol that I think better represents what our country is best known for internationally.”

Donaldson says the silver fern is the symbol most associated with New Zealand, while the blue part of the background represents the importance of water to our national identity.

His passion for the silver fern flag design was shaped by living overseas for 15 years, which he says gave him a good idea of how the world views New Zealand.

“We are seen as a beautiful country, known for our blue waters, mountains and of course the All Blacks, all things this new flag symbolises.

“The silver fern also has special significance to Maori, who traditionally used it for guiding and illuminating pathways through the forest. Perhaps it can now be used in a modern way to guide our expat Kiwis home!”

Kea's own logo is of a collection of people connected by our borderless nation, in the shape of the silver fern.

“Kea connects our many expats in more than 200 countries and helps New Zealand tap into the talents of our World Class New Zealanders, who are having huge impacts in a number of different fields. Many of these global citizens wear Kea's silver ferns pins with pride.”

Donaldson says the silver fern flag best represents Kea’s purpose, which is “to enable Kiwis to connect with other Kiwis, to engage New Zealand firms and to inspire our people to punch above their weight on the world stage.”

He notes that other ‘NZ Inc’ organisations such as New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) and Education New Zealand (ENZ) also use the silver fern for their logos.

However, he acknowledges not all of Kea’s members agree with his stance, which he says is strictly his personal view.

The recent Kea/Colmar Brunton Every Kiwi Counts survey found a majority of Kea members opposed a flag change, but Donaldson points out the survey was taken before the first flag referendum where the silver fern design was chosen.

“Since then I believe the gap has closed and momentum is swinging in favour of change. If this happens we won’t regret it.
“Canada changed its flag to the iconic maple leaf design more than 50 years ago and I doubt you will find many Canadians yearning for a return to the Union Jack.”

ENDS

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