I have to agree with some columnists that the selection of flag designs do resemble a chart found in tourist stores informing customers about what is available for purchase in souvenir teatowels or current stamp collections as seen in post shops.
The 40 selected have no Maori or other cultural dimension and, being all similar, tend to depict commercial logos rather than show symbolic designs.
If the Kyle Lockwood designs are chosen, how will the flag appear when hanging limp atop a flag pole, as there is no design in the top left hand corner?
With only the black showing, it could be an Isis flag or maybe a Chinese flag if the red is used.
Also is it a sign of the times that everything nowadays, sadly, needs to be based on money and commercialism instead of symbolism?
Most of the world's flags are based on symbolism - Britain's Union Jack, United States, South Africa - not logos.
Please do not choose a design until the time comes when one absolutely jumps off the page at you. NZ has had the current flag for many decades, so why the rush?
Another sign of the times with instant gratification must-have-it-now mentality.
This year, being the centenary of WW1, has been an insensitive time to request a flag change.
Let's leave it and take time for further debate for consensus.
Marie Kaire
Ngararatunua, Whangarei
What do you think? Comment below.