|
|
|
While some of us are quite happy with our national flag, others wish our flag instilled much more pride, by being unique, and showing who we really are. Whether it happens in 10 years, 50 years, or even more, I believe it's inevitable that we will have a new flag at some stage.
If we would accept that reality, then instead of leaving that change of flag to others (who will know even less of our past), surely it would be better to get the best possible outcome now, while this older generation are still here to have their say.
Although I would like a new flag myself, I also know the current flag has significant meaning for a number of New Zealanders. In an effort to consider people on both sides of the debate, I wonder if the solution is to have a new national flag, but keep the old flag as well, for particular purposes. Let me explain more....
War veterans
especially, should be reassured that the old flag could still be
used at Anzac Day parades and funerals for example, and if RSAs
or others want to continue using it on a daily basis, I see no
reason why they shouldn't do so for as long as they want (in the same way that people fly silver-fern flags, now).
As well as that, I think a national tradition of flying the old flag above the new one on Anzac Day would be a fitting mark of respect, and ensure that in all the years to come "we will remember them". That means our current flag would still be a potent reminder of the thousands of young Kiwis who fought or lost their lives for the freedom of others, and that period of history would not be forgotten. For those of us who weren't part of that era, the old and a new flag seen together like this would show us what those long years of sacrifice have meant for our generation, far more clearly than the present flag on its own.
Some people are concerned about us forgetting our British
heritage, but there is a way we could easily remember that heritage, and be proud of it. Imagine a Waitangi Day ceremony where the current flag (the British/Pakeha flag) is raised by Pakeha at one side, while the most well-known Maori flag is raised by Maori at the other side. The two groups then come together to raise a new New Zealand flag that is meaningful to all of us. This new flag, and the whole ceremony, would be much more inclusive for everyone, no matter how long we have been here or where we are from. Instead of Waitangi Day being "just a day off" (as it is for some of us), we might then see it as a national day of celebration for all New Zealanders.
As well as creating a greater pride in our flag/s and our country, it could also have a major beneficial impact on our race relations. Each year, we would be reminded of how Maori and Pakeha came together as two separate peoples (recognising that each has something to offer the other), and joined in formal partnership for a better country we can all be proud of. With this equal and inclusive image, Waitangi Day and our amazing Treaty might finally be understood by us all. Perhaps we might even be motivated to willingly adhere to its principles, and to act with fairness, moderation, and goodwill from both sides.
The combined flags on these two days (Anzac Day and Waitangi Day) have a powerful depth of meaning, and I find I want to keep the old flag for these occasions, rather than replace it altogether. In these scenarios, I would be proud of the current flag, whereas at the moment, our flag feels like a reminder of British arrogance (explained on the next page).
If we keep the current flag for these purposes, then it also means we can choose a new flag that is deliberately about New Zealand only, without feeling that we're dishonouring the meaning and history of the current design. I know there'll still be people upset about it changing at all, but at least this way, the old flag is not gone completely, and for many of us, its importance will not be diminished, but increased.
Another good reason for keeping the old flag, is that all those companies who've used some form of the design in their
product or company logo will still be able to use them (and have
added prestige from the obvious longevity). With all these constant reminders, the current flag and its history will not be forgotten, and combined with the spirit inherent in the new flag, can only mean an even greater pride in our past, present, and future.