Interview: Malcolm Mulholland
In an ongoing series of interviews I recently asked Malcolm Mulholland some questions about the New Zealand flag process and panel.
Malcolm is a senior researcher at Massey University and member of the Flag Consideration Panel. From the university site:
Mr Mulholland’s research interests include Maori rugby, the relationship between Maori and the State, and symbols of nationhood. He is currently undertaking a PhD on the evolution of nationhood which focuses upon the three foci and he is a member of the New Zealand Flag Consideration Panel. Mulholland has also authored “Beneath the Maori Moon: An Illustrated History of Maori Rugby” and has either edited or co-edited seven Maori academic texts.
I met Malcolm at the Wellington Roadshow and with the help of the flag.govt.nz team he responded to my questions below.
Q&As
Dan (DN): As the official flag historian on the panel, have you been required to share your views on vexillology and the principles of flag design with the other members? If so how have you done this?
Malcolm (MM): Yes. I’ve shared my knowledge of flag design and history with the panel throughout this process, as have others such as the Herald of Arms Extraordinary and the Designers Institute of New Zealand. I also worked closely with the panel’s project team to share the history of the New Zealand flag which has had 120,000 views so far and been shared in many schools and communities.
DN: Have you spent time with DINZ or any design company to provide advice on design? If not do you plan to do this? And if so how will that process occur?
MM: The Panel has been briefed by the Designers Institute of New Zealand, as well as the Herald of Arms Extraordinary. While final decisions are ultimately the responsibility of the Panel, a number of cultural, vexillology, art and design experts will be invited to provide confidential technical feedback on designs under consideration. These advisors will focus on ensuring that any proposed designs are workable and that there are no impediments in the choice of proposed designs. You will have also seen the video that summarises DINZ advice on what makes a good flag design.
DN: Do you have any thoughts about the use of colour and symbolism in the designs thus far and what that might mean internationally? For example my comment at the workshop about the use of green in African and Middle Eastern flags represents the Muslim religion and culture, or red (revolution), black (death) etc. and whether we should be more considerate of our choice in colours?
MM: There are symbolic colours that have meaning to different people and cultures and ultimately good flag design brings together a number of elements. Flag designs need to be timeless, work in a variety of contexts and be simple, uncluttered and have good contrast. Colour is important as fewer colours help keep the design simple and bold. Balance is important in good design, as is style and size of any symbol. Stylised objects work best and the design needs to be capable of being rendered in a variety of sizes without distortion.
DN: How have you been reviewing the designs submitted thus far? What have your thoughts been on the open process?
MM: It’s great to see such a high level of engagement from many people within New Zealand, as well as overseas. Obviously flag design suggestions can still be made up until 11.59pm on 16 July and yes, I and my fellow Panel members have started reviewing what we’ve seen to date from technical and practical perspectives as well as best reflecting the values and themes that NZers have shared.
DN: Will you be providing your own recommendations of the four final short-list designs, or is the panel required to unanimously agree on this?
MM: Every Panel member has committed to see every design and naturally each of us will bring some consistent and some distinctive views. We will continue a rigorous review process until we unanimously agree on the four alternative designs.
DN: Do you think the new design should complement the Tino Rangatiratanga flag so they work together visually and symbolically?
MM: A flag needs to be distinctive in its own right. Whether it is flown within New Zealand or internationally, it is seen together with many other flags and it needs to be distinct and symbolic of New Zealand’s identity - kind of the first rule of flags, if you like!
DN: Do you have any views or comments about at the process and quality of flags submitted in Fiji?
MM: As a historian, of course I have an interest in any country considering their flag - these are usually once-in-a-lifetime decisions. Of course, they are following quite a different process to us and I will be interested in seeing the result of theirs.
DN: How have you been dealing with the negative responses? Is the sentiment changing as the process continues?
MM: This process has drawn passionate responses as you’d expect in any type of consideration process. Of course there are a wide range of views about the flag, from those who like the current flag, those who want an ‘updated’ version (for example “put a kiwi, fern or the letters ‘NZ’ on it”), as well as those who want to consider a different design. What is great about this process is that it is unique, a first time in history, everyone can have a say in the design of the New Zealand flag and, those eligible, can vote in the two binding referendums. Whether the flag changes or not depends entirely on how Kiwis vote in the second referendum.
The Panel is responsible for leading a public engagement process that is independent, inclusive, enduring, well-informed, practical, community-driven, dignified, legitimate and consistent with the Crown’s Treaty obligations. Part of an inclusive, community-driven and democratic process is providing many ways for people to participate in the discussion and the Panel has ensured options for participation online and face-to-face, across all communities and schools.
The Panel is looking for flag designs that first and foremost reflect New Zealand’s identity, as shared online or face-to-face via websites, the information stand and van in busy locations, public workshops and engagement hui. Those values and themes have remained relatively consistent throughout the process and include history and heritage, freedom, equality, being a kiwi, independent, culture, environment, tradition, unity and being a Pacific nation.
Thanks again to Malcolm for taking time to answer these questions. Hopefully they provide an interesting view on the process and role he has on the panel.
You can read more of Malcolm’s thoughts on the flag in this article; “Does our flag reflect who we are as a nation?” on the New Zealand Herald site.
