Editorial: First winds of change blow in flag debate

Opinion

A Herald-Digipoll survey published yesterday - the same day the Flag Consideration Panel released its shortlisted four designs - revealed an intriguing situation. As expected, a little more than half of the 750 people questioned said that, in principle, they did not support a change of flag. In turn, 23 per cent said they supported a change. That left 24 per cent, who said their decision would depend on what the alternative looked like. Based on those results, the prospects for a new flag rest on the latter group's view of what has now been placed before them, along with a relatively small percentage of those opposed to change who will switch sides.

At a first glance it seems unlikely any of the options will romp away from the others in the November postal referendum. It has been hard to detect much public support for any one design since the process started. The final four designs, whittled down from the long list of 40, represent the panel's take on popular preference, along with technical and practical considerations.

It has wisely exercised some discretion in electing not to choose the four most commonly mentioned symbols - a silver fern, the Southern Cross, a koru, and an abstract design. What has emerged are three flags featuring the silver fern, of which two also include the Southern Cross, and one featuring a koru. All are open to criticism. The silver fern and Southern Cross designs do not seem to represent the most comfortable of fits. The koru design, likewise, will not please some people.

But such reservations should be kept in context. Many who harbour thoughts of a change probably set their sights too high. They expected, over-optimistically, to be presented with a design both utterly striking and compelling.

If that has not been delivered, the essential motivation for changing the flag remains unchanged. If people believe there is good cause to adopt a flag they feel is more symbolic of modern New Zealand, the opportunity remains. So, too, is the chance to reshape the way the rest of the world sees us. Many of those who favour change will, however, have to settle for something a little less inspiring than they would have hoped emerged from the selection process.

There is some evidence that people are coming around to the view that a new flag would benefit the country. The Herald-Digipoll survey did not produce the strong rejection many of those opposed to change might have wished for and anticipated. The All Black captain, Richie McCaw, added fuel to the campaign by saying he favours an ensign featuring the silver fern. A voice as popular and respected as his carries obvious weight and will resonate even more if he leads the All Blacks to World Cup triumph.

The shortlisted designs bring his wish into sharper focus. They point to a decision that must soon be made. The emergence of a consensus around one of the four designs will make that much more straightforward and make the prospect of this country adopting a new flag more likely.

Debate on this issue is now closed.