NZ Thoughts 2.0 — “Key’s Flag”
Those flag referendums. Much talked about since 2015. And with John Key, THE New Zealander, as its most enthusiastic advocate, it sure had to become a big issue. So after an avid advertisement period of 16 months by Mr. Prime Minister and his peers, and 26 Million NZ$ worth of tax money for the campaign, the Kiwis decided they want to keep their old flag. Ouch.
Naturally, Mr. Key was disappointed by the outcome. No wonder, when he had announced beforehand that any vote against the new flag he considered a vote against him. Poor Johnny — Uh… I mean, it is unfortunate to hear that New Zealand disregarded their Prime Minister’s feelings in such a cruel way. Luckily for him, he has a strong and loyal support system in form of his National party by his side in his time of need.
But jokes aside, what have the referendums contributed to New Zealand besides a huge loss of tax money and making the PM the butt of a joke or two? Well, it has showed people the lack in clarity in the Prime Minister style in politics and his future endeavors. Wanting to remove the Union Jack off the flag to distance the country from the UK, while keeping the Queen of England as head of state. So technically, the Union Jack is still there…but not? Way to confuse your population. And everyone else, for that matter.
In addition to that, John Key was very bothered by the fact that New Zealand’s flag is so easily mistaken for the Australian flag. I admit, quite severe of a problem. (Some say John Key wanted to change the flag to leave a lasting mark on the country for posterity, while he was still in office, but that’s just a theory.) And while I’m at that, the German flag really resembles the Belgian one. I should contact our Chancellor Mrs. Merkel to petition a change. New design TBD.
Speaking of new designs, the Silver Fern by Kyle Lockwood (as seen below along with the old and current flag) received a lot of backlash, which I find completely absurd. If I take off glasses and stand a far distance from it, it’s not even half bad. No, seriously. Any of my designs would have looked so much worse! (On that note, Mrs. Merkel should not let me design our new flag!)
But some good things have resulted from this campaign — believe it or not. Ask Andy Hall. His business has been booming! He’s been selling more NZ flags than ever before — meaning that more and more New Zealanders have started to feel themselves represented through their flags, and maybe have grown more proud of their country. Good on you, Kiwis!
Mai
P.S. My favorite English word is adamantine. #random
