New Zealand flag debate Shipley backed Cultural Affairs Minister Marie Hasler's call for the flag to be changed. Shipley, along with the New Zealand Tourism Board, supported the quasi-national silver fern flag, by using a white silver fern on a black background, along the lines of the Canadian maple leaf flag. Both of these events were met with opposition from the Returned Services' Association. In 2004, the NZ Flag.com Trust was founded by Lloyd Morrison with the aim of bringing about a non-binding referendum on the subject. Under New Zealand law, a referendum may be held on any issue if 10% of electors sign
2015–16 New Zealand flag referendums Kiwi, and koru. The main themes incorporated into the designs were Māori culture, nature and history. From the 10,292 submitted designs, the Flag Consideration Panel deliberations resulted in their selection of a 'long list' shortlist of 40 designs (announced to the public on 10 August 2015). On 1 September 2015, the Flag Consideration Panel announced the final four designs to be included in the first referendum. The flag design shortlist was met with negative response from some members of the public, professional designers and vexillologists. The selection was lambasted as unappealing, clichéd, dull and too logo-like. There were complaints that