A competitor has thus been chosen.
New Zealand has decided, by popular vote, the alternative flag it will take to a referendum next year. The nation's public will decide in March 2016 whether they keep their existing flag or switch to the Silver Fern (Black, White and Blue) design pictured above.
The government panel overseeing the poll said results were initially "too close to call," according to The Guardian, but all votes have officially been counted and "Black, White and Blue" has come out on top.
The winning flag was designed by Kyle Lockwood, who also designed the flag that came in second. The runner-up is almost identical save for a partial red background where the winner's is black.
The winning design for the alternative flag has been notably supported by New Zealand's prime minister, John Key, although he may have a been a bit more partial to the runner-up.
The alternative flag has started a conversation on social media that is divisive to say the least. For some, the change in flag represents a way to better represent the ideals of the country.
For others, it's a missed opportunity to make a Kiwi shooting lasers out of its eyes the national standard.
This is the worst of all options! What the hell, NZ? #nzflag https://t.co/9MMq1AoO50 pic.twitter.com/GQVT5FrRzg— Dr Sea Rotmann (@DrSeaRotmann) December 15, 2015
Kinda surprised NZ didn't just vote for a sign that says "no homos". #nzflag— Jemaine Clement (@AJemaineClement) December 12, 2015
This took me 6 hours #nzflag pic.twitter.com/CS2Ae1Fssi— Guy Williams (@guywilliamsguy) December 11, 2015
(For those looking for context on that last tweet, The $2 Shop is a discount store in New Zealand. The tweet is evidently a bit of a sledge aimed at the flag.)
what could have been :p #nzflag pic.twitter.com/cfnH2cMjib— Col (@fineleg2fineleg) December 11, 2015
So glad they chose the right flag :))))) #nzflag pic.twitter.com/pbZaM82Xln— milla loves troye (@tronnorinitaly) December 12, 2015
Poud to b voting for #nzflag change,flag better represents our democratic,multicultural&modern nation #BlueBlackFern pic.twitter.com/XMvcVtm9Xc— Hon Nikki Kaye (@nikkikaye) December 15, 2015
New Zealand will decide on which flag they want with another referendum to be held from March 3-24.