Great stuff Kat. It’s pretty obvious the fern is the most desired symbol due to the All Blacks, & the success & international respect they garner. Not at all surprised many kiwis would be proud to identify with it, & the team people love.

But that’s no reason to stick it on a flag… & I do wonder how people would feel if (/when?) rugby becomes a bigger international game & the ABs inevitably don’t maintain success they’ve largely enjoyed in modern times. As nothing lasts forever. Or perhaps rugby even goes the other way & loses popularity here & abroad at some point. If there was a referendum to change the flag during those times, perhaps the fern wouldn’t get the focus it does now. Which is pretty much your point.

Red Peak isn’t mind-blowing art, or the coolest design ever. It’s not supposed to be either. Don’t think I’ve ever looked at a flag & thought ‘nice bit of flag, that’. But it looks good, definitely holds up against its most famous peers, & to me represents a great opportunity to put aside the political ties or divisions of the past, rise above the populist symbols of the present, & go forward under a new banner for all kiwis.

ps — God Save the Queen… (joke!!) :)