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1. A flag steeped in history – Is this the answer?
While some of us are quite happy with our national flag, others wish our flag instilled much more pride, by being unique, and showing us unmistakeably as New Zealanders. The desire to see ourselves, and our own country (rather than a colonial flag, still dominated by Britain), grows stronger with each generation, and a new flag seems inevitable at some stage.
If we would accept that reality, then instead of leaving any change of flag to others (who will know even less of our past), maybe it would be better to get the best possible outcome now, while this older generation are still here to have their say.
Although I want a new flag myself, I also know the current flag has significant meaning for a number of New Zealanders. It's important to remember that a new flag is not about getting rid of our past. The main reason is to have a flag that shows our own country, instead of another country far away. If each side of the debate would consider the other, the fairest solution would be to have a new national flag, but also keep the old flag, for ceremonial purposes. (Canada has successfully done this with their flag/s). 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 flying it every day, 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, a national tradition of flying the old flag with the new one on Anzac Day would show huge respect, and future generations would understand its meaning – far more than seeing the present flag on its own. (This idea is not to glorify war, but to remember why peace is so important to maintain). With the Australian flag also flown on this day, we would acknowledge our shared history and the Anzac bond.
Some people are concerned about us forgetting our British
heritage, but there are numerous reminders in old buildings and place-names, and it doesn't have to be on our flag. However, there is a way we could remember the link to Britain in our flag/s (every year, and be proud of it). Imagine a Waitangi Day ceremony that begins with the Treaty proceedings, and then takes us through to the present day, with the aid of our various flags. Here is what I envisage:
Step 1: The Union Jack and the original Maori flag are raised to commemorate the signing of the Treaty – an Agreement giving rights and protections to Maori and the European settlers.
Step 2: The current national flag and the modern Maori flag are raised to symbolise the next stage of our development, and the events that have shaped us thus far. It doesn't matter which flag we identify with – we can still feel part of the proceedings.
Step 3: A new national flag is raised (one without the Union Jack), that is clearly about this country, and therefore represents us all. This flag marks a greater equality and understanding between us, and means we can all go forward together as New Zealanders.
This new flag, and the whole ceremony (a symbolic journey to nationhood), 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. Onlookers might even bring along their own flags to show pride in their own particular heritage (Scottish, Dutch, Indian etc). Our flags and our cultures would be respected and preserved, and then the new flag would bring us all together as united and unique New Zealanders. The ceremony could be repeated all around the country, and would give us the reason that's needed, to really celebrate our nationhood in the way that other countries do.
As well as creating a greater pride in our flag/s and our country, this 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 had something to offer the other), and joined in formal partnership to create a better country for all of us. 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. At the same time, we might also show greater tolerance and pride in celebrating our wider diversity.
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 feel proud of the current flag, whereas at the moment, our flag seems like a constant reminder of Britain and British arrogance, and a reason for us to want more independence (explained on the next page).
If we keep the current flag for these ceremonial occasions, it 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 visible 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.
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