New Zealand crowdsourced flag options expanded amid public pressure
New Zealand’s bold referendum to crowdsource a new national flag became all the more open after a campaign to include the popular ‘Red Peak’ flag proved a success.
The initiative, the early stages of which was flooded with confounding MS Paint entries by trolls and Kiwi enthusiasts was whittled down to 40 potential designs by a panel of of cultural, art and design experts back in August.
In November, four options were to be perused by the populace, however a campaign to have the Red Peak added proved a success sparking a U-turn from PM John Key.
Key told reporters during his announcement: “In the end, I’m not wanting to be the one that stands in the way of people having some choice.”
A petition with over 50,000 signatures was brought before the Kiwi government, enforcing a last-minute change to the referendum.