Submission: Beautiful Beige

Following on from “Our Southern Swanny”, I’ve submitted another design into the mix. Here’s the description from the official site:

Beautiful Beige

With the overwhelming number of ferns and black flags representing our rugby heritage submitted, lets not forget that wonderful era of beige that New Zealand witnessed in the early 1980s.

We’re a diverse nation who play many sports, not just rugby. Some of us don’t even play sport. Although that surprises many, the non-sport-playing folk still live in our fair land. Some might not know of the cricket connection, however they can celebrate that this flag is not black with a fern on it.

As the official Beige Brigade say, “It’s about passion not fashion”. Lets not get caught up with this seasons flag trends. Celebrate our sporting and questionable fashion success in a colour other than black. Not only will this flag fly proudly on the grass banks of cricket grounds, this design (inspired from those classic one day stripes) will position us as the only nation with a beige flag.

The beige uniform was originally worn by the New Zealand cricket team in the 1980s.

— Discuss on flagpost.nz » View original submission on flag.govt.nz »

You can find out more information about the Beige Brigade on Wikipedia.

Submission: Our Southern Swanny

As many of my loyal readers have been prompting me to submit something into the mix, I present my first submission. Finally. Here’s the description from the official site:

Our Southern Swanny

Inspired by ‘Our United Tarpaulin’ from Kris Sowersby, ‘Our Southern Swanny’ is a staple of New Zealand fashion we proudly wear, regardless of the occasion. With its distinct pattern still found at fieldays, local pubs, and on the sidelines of school sports grounds, this uniquely kiwi icon historically “became the choice of pioneering New Zealanders the length and breadth of the country”.

Like ‘Our United Tarpaulin’, those who’ve already joined the Swanndri army can grab a stick and fly their ‘flag’ proudly with a little DIY. Originally made from 100% pure New Zealand wool this hardy and waterproof shirt is ideal for flying in a raging southerly or gentle nor’wester.

The ‘swanny’ was originally designed by William Broome, a Taranaki tailor.

— Discuss on flagpost.nz » View original submission on flag.govt.nz »

You can find out more information about the New Zealand Swanndri on Wikipedia.

UPDATE: After submitting this concept I realised there’s another side to this design, in that the production of Swanndri was outsourced to China in 2005, no longer qualifying for ”Kiwi-made status”. Let’s hope the new flag is made in New Zealand…