I don't know that these are my favorite designs from the 40 pre-finalists, but they aren't my least favorite. I find it interesting that it's all fern-based stuff, and that kiwi birds didn't even make the final 40.
I do like the shout-out to the Southern Cross constellation on the current flag on the two of these. That said, I do like the rather unique starkness of the black and white ones, and would probably (were I eligible to vote) go for the koru in the upper right-hand corner, as both a reference to the fern frond it is, as well as (in the inverse) a reference to the sea which surrounds the NZ islands.
We'll see what the citizenry chooses, and then whether they actually choose to replace their current flag.
New Zealand’s new flag: final four designs announced
It’s a choice between three ferns and a black-and-white koru for New Zealand’s new flag as the government panel publishes its final shortlist
I like the two black & white flags, and the koru the most
I quite like all 4 of them, but am drawn to the black and blue with the fern and Southern Cross. (Bottom right) I hope they do vote to change it, As all 4 of these are so much better then the current one!
Iam with you the Black, Blue and Fern.
If they're going to have the Southern Cross, they could at least include Epsilon Crucis. It doesn't look much like a cross in the actual sky.