English: Proposed new New Zealand flag by James Bowman.

Design rationale:

Our most recognised and used national symbol is the silver fern. It’s uniquely ours (as opposed to our shared Union Jack and Southern Cross) and has long been the symbol of our trade, military and sport. It represents the best of us, including our environment. As do our colours: black & white and pounamu green.

The koru is central to Māori design. Based on the shape of a new unfurling silver fern frond, it symbolizes new life, growth and peace. Using koru to depict our fern is natural and appropriate. Symmetrical koru also form mangōpare (hammerhead sharks) representing strength and determination.

The Koru Fern depicts a linear story, from our powerful history (connected to the flag pole) through chapters of development, and the promise of perpetual future growth.

It also depicts the ‘long white cloud’ topped mountainous Aotearoa landscape, set against a night sky, reflected in the sea. Navigating by the night sky links to the Southern Cross. The centralised angles link to the Union Jack.

The Koru Fern design complements Tino Rangatiratanga (our Māori flag). It conforms to the heraldic rule of tincture, the same as all great modern flags. And uses the heraldic colours sable, argent and vert.