161 messages sent from you, Aotearoa whanau whanui ki te Aonui – the global community of New Zealanders – about where you are at, about what and who inspires you, about your cultural symbols, and about your heroes. New Zealand Edge speaks of a spirit of “radical optimism”- and yours can be found on this page. Received July-December 04.

Edge Mail
Coming Home/Being Away
New Zealand Heroes
NZ Visual Language 

E  D  G  E    M  A  I  L

BUSINESS AND MARKETING  ADVISOR-SPEAKER-WRITER, TORONTO, CANADA
NZEDGE pierces the heart. Opens it. Lights the flame. Tickles the universal mind. Re-members the fragments. Remembers who we are - ALL of it. I remember.

WRITER, AUCKLAND, NZ
FANTASTIC site!  Great speeches!  Brilliant “Heroes” section!  Just stumbled across it by accident and wish I had known about it earlier.  You are articulating what so many people feel about New Zealand, but which is being obscured by the negative focus that seems to dominate our media.  Go for it!  I am spreading the word about your site.

STUDENT, WELLINGTON, NZ
I commend the creators of this site, I am a passionate kiwi myself, who has an undeniable love for our people and our land.  It is heartening to see such creative people like yourself use your talents to powerfully touch the lives of us kiwis by guiding us in a modern and dynamic way to re-connect with our roots.  YOU ROCK!

ADMINISTRATION DIRECTOR, LOS ANGELES, USA
Went to the KEA kiwi meeting last night in LA and heard about this site.  I am a proud Kiwi woman who has felt a lack of true connection to New Zealand having lived away from her shores for 11 years.  I am so impressed with the heart that this web site has.  Having read parts of this site I have new fire in me to be more actively involved withNew Zealand based business and awareness of the treasures the New Zealand people have to offer this world.

STUDENT, PALMERSTON NORTH, NZ
Fantastic website – makes you extremely proud to be a kiwi. Really, really well done guys.  As a 17-year-old it has given me a much greater understanding of the people that make up our great country.  What lucky people we are to live here!!

VENTURE CAPITALIST, SEATTLE, USA
Spent a good 50-60 minutes one Sunday night reading through your site, which I came across by chance.  Excellent.  Very inspiring.  As I raise two little girls in Seattle and see them becoming little American's in front of my eyes, and wonder what New Zealand culture and heritage I should try to impart to them, your poignant essays, reminders of New Zealand and profiles of great New Zealanders inspire me to try a little harder to make sure they know more of their other "home".  It makes me proud to be a New Zealander.  Thanks.

CAPITAL NEEDS ASSESSOR, YACOLT, USA
You have everything you need right in front of you.  The Bluest Skies, the Whitest Clouds, the Clearest Waters, the Greenest Greens, the most healthy air and the most prolific conditions to grow anything.  Your emblem should be Aotearoa from space.  Your slogan – something about the way life was supposed to be lived - Clean - Friendly - Green.  I quit my lucrative Atmospheric Chemistry position working for a Kiwi Professor (Ian Kaplan) at UCLA precisely becauseNew Zealand made me realise that there was a better life to live.  LA is not the Way.  Aotearoa is the breath of fresh air everyone that lives in the northern hemisphere will soon be gasping for. Aotearoa - Clean - Friendly - Green - That's My Motto.  Bob Brewer. 

RESEARCH STUDENT/EDITOR, JAPAN
Dear Brian Sweeney and Kevin Roberts . I am a Kiwi Monbusho scholarship student inJapan , researching theNew Zealand diaspora, and have found this a fantastic site. You manage not only to bring together much of whatNew Zealand already is, but you confront New Zealanders with the question of what they want to become. Thanks!  Tena ra korua.

CUSTOMER SERVICE CO-ORDINATOR, CARDIFF, WALES
What a fantastic website – congratulations.  I spent about seven months inNew Zealand over the millennium period.  I could not believe the beauty of the country and the hospitality and lust for life that I encountered in everyone I met.  The people ofNew Zealand are certainly an inspiration.  Not only did I visit some fantastic locations, but I made some really good friends.  One of them I see has sent a message to this website, Clementine Fraser.  Clem, if you read this I have lost your e-mail address, do not know how else to get in touch with you!

AUCKLAND/TANEATUA/OPOTIKI, NZ
Thank you fellow Kiwis for developing NZEDGE to keep us all connected!  I have travelled and 'feltNew Zealand hug me upon return!'  I am proud to be a Kiwi, and proud as a Pakeha to be connected to Maori through being a New Zealander.  To those of you not at home, keep us informed, share your knowledge and we will do what we can back here to keep it safe and clean and positive for your return.

QIRIATONO, ISRAEL
hello there, my names sagi israely 28 years old. i have two tattoos on both sides of shoulders and would like to cover it up with a Ta Moko. i would like to know pleas: if tattooing my self in that type of tattoo wont disrespect any custom and the other question would be- where could i fine photos of Ta Moko tattoos and the meaning of each one of them, thanks a head with lots of respect, sagi walkIsrael .

ACCOUNT DIRECTOR, KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA
Although I am not a native New Zealander, I have been positively inspired by your daring vision of how this truly beautiful country should be known.  I sincerely hope that New Zealanders across the world will take up the rally cry and get on the Edge of life!

OPERATIONS MANAGER, YORK, UK
As a recent discoverer of the Edge, the site has given me some new found enthusiasm (after 5 years inUK ) to leverage my NZ background to stand out in the crowd among my fellow Brits. 

CREATIVE, AUCKLAND, NZ
I may already subscribe to The Edge.  But as the Irish say, to be sure to be sure.  I have made a small global mark as a New Zealander so far with some TV programmes and an international best seller of some 500, 000 copies.  But always a focus was missing.  No longer!  The ego is now in remission with the work itself the target – a good sign yes?  This website of yours speaks to the core of the magic.  Congratulations.  Soon I will ask for your help as a sounding board.  Jonathan Gunson.

ADMINISTRATION – AUDITOR GENERALSOFFICE, VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA
Kia ora. I’m loving this site!!!  Keep up the good work!  It’s great to see Kiwis spread worldwide keeping in touch and staying up to date with our home.  You can take the person out of New Zealand but you can never take the New Zealander out of the person, I look forward to moving back one of these days!!  And to all of you who are not Kiwis, its heartwarming to see people from other countries lovingNew Zealand just as we do!  Cheers NZEDGE, you’re doing a good job.

DISC CONSULTANT, AUCKLAND, NZ
Thank you for this brilliant concept of Community – the source of LOVE.  As a transplanted American, I can really appreciate what you are up to here and hope I can contribute to this incredible concept you have developed.  I learned about you from the NSA newsletter and will get in touch by email.  Thank you for all you are doing.  I would love to work with you further.

HOLLAND, MI, USA
I just wanted to say that I am a Yank who is married to a very proud Kiwi girl fromChristchurch.  We have been here just over a year and while things are great between us and she is enjoying seeing different aspects of American life and culture, she truly misses and loves her native country.  I just found this site today and knew immediately that my wife would want to be a part of it.  I am doing my best to learn about her culture as well, so I've learned to support Crusaders and of course, the All Blacks.  When I've learned the haka, I'll know I'm getting closer!

AVIATION ORPHAN, MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA
Hey guys, great site, good to have some positive stuff onNew Zealand for a change, instead of the bollocks that sends a lot of us offshore.  Was great to read the research on why we all leave, and find that I am not the only one thinking and feeling the way I do.  Keep up the good work, a site like this can only speed up the change and awareness that might see us all return home one day.

ASPIRING ACTRESS, AUCKLAND , NZ
Hi there, I am an advocate for "Spreading the Goodness".  This is something that myself and my friends practice on a daily basis.  It involves the very painless and totally rewarding act of smiling.  We also like sticking up for people that are the topic of idle gossip and taking nasty, judgmental people down a few pegs, challenging peoples hate and anger filled opinions so as to broaden their horizons to a more positive and proactive way of thinking and generally prompting and evoking feel good, intoxicatingly enlightening encounters with other human beings.  We also have a huge emphasis on excessive laughter as often as possible. Kind regards Meredith

MARKETING and COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER, ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA
Hi, I love your site.  I am the Marketing and Communications Manager at a very similar organisation SA GREAT, a not-for-profit, media founded organisation dedicated to celebrating South Australian success and promoting positive thinking about our state.  I would love to chat with you about your projects and activities. http://www.sagreat.com.au

GEOPHYSICAL EXPLORATIONS, SUNSHINE COAST, AUSTRALIA
Kia ora whanau, awesome site guys.  Makes me feel so proud to be a kiwi, I never really knew how big of a markNew Zealand heroes have contributed to the world, it kinda blew me away.  Due to my job I am always travelling, I have met a lot of new whanau and the same as many new friends.  I was in the pub last night I met a kiwi guy from Taranaki he asked me where I come from and I told him Taupo.  He asked me if I knew a certain family and that’s when I realised he knows my best mates parents, took me by surprise and I felt an emotional shiver run down my spine and sensed a little bit of homesickness fall upon me.  I wish all kiwis off island could experience a meeting like that of somekind.  It’s been three years since I was last home, but in saying that I am organising and booking flights to bring me home for Christmas.  Can’t wait.  Until then keep up the excellent work on this site and see you all at Christmas!

COOK, CHICAGO, USA
I am a born and raised New Zealander and I have traveled the globe most of my life.  I am 23 years old and I have just graduated from college.  I am living inChicago right now near Wriglyville and I was wondering if you knew of any one fromNew Zealand that lived inChicago or groups of kiwis that might live here that hang out with each other.  Any information on the matter would be much appreciated, thank you for your time.  DinnyRedmond .

SOCIAL WORKER, ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA
I have just attended the Global Social Workers Conference, held here inAdelaide .  As a Maori Social Worker who has been educated and trained here in SA, meeting my own people and sharing in both their working and personal experiences has been awe inspiring for me.  I don't have the same support here, so just talking and being with them helped me to consolidate my identity, and be proud of being an indigenous person even in Australian society.

AVIATION ATTORNEY AND NEW ZEALAND SOLICITOR, SAN FRANCISCO, USA
What a great website.  I am a kiwi who has been practicing in the aviation law field inCalifornia for 17 years.  I have worked on many major air crashes including the TAM crash inBrazil (listed at Lloyds as one of the world's major air crashes).  I have also represented numerous air carriers, airports, aircraft and component part manufactures in litigation in theUnited States .  I own homes inNew Zealand , San Francisco and Lake Tahoe .  I am a keen skier, tennis player and cyclist and I ride horses.  I have a great art collection ofNew Zealand works by Hotere, McCahon and Roberly (the war artist during the Maori wars) and Max Gimblett.  I loveNew Zealand and am proud to be a New Zealander.  I am also the author of a book on Aviation Antitrust law and would like to send you my resume.  Over and Out, Patricia Barlow.

VOIP / WIFI SERVICES PROVIDER, AUCKLAND , NZ
Comments: As a 'seasoned business traveller' in the VoIP/ Wireless technology field, I wish to applaud the developers of,  and the contributors to this site. I have gained such an insight into Kiwis abroad from reading the many comments published here. I just had no idea that so many of us Kiwis lived outside of Aoteoroa. Perhaps I can contribute my own value to this site by offering ALL Kiwis overseas the chance to phone family, friends and business colleagues back home inNew Zealand , for FREE, 24/7. You simply need to live or work in an area where Broadband connectivity resides. Drop me an email on: smeatz@ihug.co.nz if you want to know how to make free calls to NZ from a wireless handset. I will be travelling up to LA next month and then on toSalt Lake City for a few weeks. It will be great to look a few of you up in that area. Keep up the Kiwi spirit and have a great Christmas when it happens for all of you.  

POSTSHOP MANAGER, WELLINGTON NEW ZEALAND
Cool site!  Just wondering if it would be possible to scout out shops and websites that sell non-cheesy New Zealand clothing?  Like the Huffer t-shirt with the map of NZ and Lake Taupo made of their logo?  I have a friend going overseas to live and I want to make sure he remembers where he's from!  I found www.billitees.co.nz as a start, and i saw an exchange student wearing a hoody with the RNZAF logo on it which was really cool, any other suggestions?

C  O  M  I  N  G    H  O  M  E    B  E  I  N  G   A  W  A  Y

ARTIST, BERLIN, GERMANY
It’s great stimulation for a kiwi who's suddenly a stranger at home inAuckland , to discover that we are not alone when we live on the edge of the world map no matter where we are.  I am a Pakeha who lived in Berlin for the while with my African husband from the Caribbean and our two children who are born in Barbados , and speak German and English with kiwi accents.  I was curious about any Barbadians or Rastas from the Caribbean who might be living in New Zealand and discovered this website showing where everyone else like me is living... wow cool stuff!

SOFTWARE DEVELOPER, LONDON, ENGLAND
Hi, what a cool site!  Very refreshing.  I am a Kiwi myself - been in London for three and half years now (originally from Egmont Village in Taranaki).  I am one of the "Brain Drain".  After being quite successful over here myself, I have to agree with most of the points brought up in the "Beyond The Brain Drain" online survey. New Zealand will always be my home and I will come back (in fact I do come back, for holidays), but the opportunities over here and the ease of being able to travel all over Europe (for far less than the cost of a flight to Australia) will mean I will probably be here for a while longer. Great to read an article like that which voices some of the same concerns and opinions that I have, lets hope the government tries to foster company growth and encourages people to come back by lowering taxes (especially for high income earners) and stops handing out as much money on welfare (reduce company tax, increase business, reduce unemployment?)  The only other thing that really bugs me aboutNew Zealand is the whole separation of Maori and Pakeha. We are all New Zealanders and I think that really hits home once you have been away fromNew Zealand and seen other countries and how other people live.  New Zealand needs to grow up in this respect. The foreshore arguments are a prime example. It is a shame that 1% of extremists can ruin it for everyone else – that needs to stop.  Anyway, thanks for a great web site!  There is a lot more on it for me to explore yet and I will be coming back regularly.

ADMINISTRATION OFFICER, BEENLEIGH, AUSTRALIA
We are coming home at the end of 2004 to live back in Tauranga.  We gave it five years to get our "act" (financially) together here in Queensland, Australia. We have now done that to a degree and four years later we are packing the container to return home.  How interesting it will be to settle back in. I have to agree with one of the comments I read on this site – it can be a real struggle to get by in New Zealand.  How different will it be for us when we have to drop $8 or more an hour in wages?  Will there be opportunities to get back into business in Tauranga?  Will the rain and cold drive us away again?  Will our beautiful view from the hill in Tauranga make it all worthwhile?  Will our son enjoy sailing as much as riding the roller coasters at Dreamworld, which are only 15 minutes away from us?  I am so looking forward to returning home, but I have to say, I am a little afraid.

REALTOR/MORTGAGE BROKER , FLORIDA , USA
After 6 years in Australia and 6 plus years in the USA I am READY!  (as the chicken says in Aussie)  Australia I loved....what a magical place and so close to HOME!  The USA?....hmmm, without being scathing and ultra negative,  I now have to make the trip home twice a year to stay sane and even then do not want to leave when the time comes. There have been times when I wondered if I could/would slot back in to NZ and although I see many changes, one most notably, the kiwi accent has changed, I still feel a very real sense of belonging.  Perhaps it's like putting on a very comfortable old pair of shoes.  They just fit! It's in your blood, the place of your birth and your growing.  There is no place like it, enjoy traveling and culture all you want but there is only one place like home.  HOME!  The sooner the better for me.  Like I said!  I'm READY!

NURSE, PERTH AUSTRALIA
Have been living in Perth for 19yrs now last trip home over 3yrs ago..do get homesick for the beautiful country and my family...but have settled here now..this looks like a great site..came into look up www.oldfriends.co.nz and found this site..thankyou!

N  E  W   Z  E  A  L  A  N  D   H  E  R  O  E  S

RETIRED NEWSPAPER EMPLOYEE, OSLO, NORWAY
I have an overwhelming need to applaud Paul Ward's brilliant piece on Janet Frame (Writers). After seeing An Angel at my Table, for the third time, (recently on Swedish TV) then reading Faces in the Water and Owls do Cry for the second or third times (imagine that I have one of the best collections of NZ Literature in Norway), its easy to get a sense of rejuvenation (and of Otago, the furious sea, the fantails, cabbage trees, etc) when everything outside my house door is abundantly white and sterile. Cheers from Ross Brown, Oslo

ARTIST, PHOTOGRAPHER AND POSTIE MANSFIELD ART COLLECTIVE, WELLINGTON
Hi the New Zealand Edge. I like the site, its great to see your wide selection of topics and excellent choice of news articles in the media section of the visual arts. However I would like to see more visual artists added to the heroes section. In brief photographers: Ans Westra, Brian Blake, Fiona Clark, Bruce Connew. Artists: Colin McCahon, Gordon Walters, Rita Angus, Frances Hogkins, Len Lye, Filipe Tohi, Pat Hanly. Writers and film makers: Jane Campion, Peter Jackson, Sima Urale, Gaylene Preston and too many musicians to name but what about the Finn bros. Cheers and power to The New Zealand Edge.

SECRETARY , USA
I am a big Russell Crowe fan. Thanks so much for your great coverage of his going-ons!

JOURNALIST, WELLINGTON , NZ
I love this website - noted that one ofNew Zealand 's greatest aeronautic engineers - William Pickering is under speedsters - could he be an engineering hero?  Engineers, lets face it, create the structures we live in?

HEALTH PROMOTION/EDUCATION OFFICER, LONDON, ENGLAND  
I discovered your presentation of the life of Sir Harold Gillies quite by chance.  His work was described in a Channel 5 TV programme which I saw last night (Sep 9) and where I found out that he was related to Sir Archibald MacIndoe, of whom I was aware from my interest in the work he did for the RAF pilots in WW2.  Yet Sir Harold is hardly mentioned today, whereas Sir Archie is very well remembered.  I hope that the story told by C5 will bring Sir Harold's name and remarkable achievements forward once again inBritain where he should have been all along.

NZ
May I recommend Sir Archie McIndoe be included in your "Heroes" section.

SALES MANAGER, ABBOTSFORD, AUSTRALIA
As a kid in the bus I grew up loving the music of Tex and the other travelling ballad singers.  Tex will always remain in my memory.  Thanks for the site.

COUNTRY DJ, MOOSUP, CONNECTICUT, USA
Dear Sir, Do you know how I can receive music of Tex Morton for my country and bluegrass show on radio WCNL. I play all artists from around the world. 

AUSTRALIA
Have been hunting for a Tex Morton song, Bob the Log. Could you help me in any way?? Cheers Robbie  

AUCKLAND , NZ
I have an old six string acoustic guitar signed "Tex Morton".  We had it signed when we were staying in the Whangarei Motor Camp and metT ex in the campground kitchen.  He signed the guitar and tuned it to his special tunings, but over the years the strings have lost their tone, but the guitar is still ok.  Is this guitar worth anything?  I would be interested to know.  Thanks for helping me.  Juli.  

PUBLICIST, NEW YORK, USA
Are you aware of New Zealand artist Tama Waipara who has just released his debut album "Triumph of Time" in the US this month to much critical acclaim.  He will be performing at New York Summerstage, June 20th 3pm in Central Park opening for jazz legends Olu Dara and Dave Murray.  For further information on this artist, contact: triumphobliq@yahoo.com

N  Z   V  I  S  U  A  L   L  A  N  G  U  A  G  E

RETIRED, TE AWAMUTU, NZ
Love your idea of the new flag with the Silver Fern.  Needs the red band at the bottom to set it off.

ARCHITECTURAL DESIGNER, WELLINGTON , NZ
Our Flag.  I think it is time to change the flag, many have advocated using the silver fern on the flag.  However I too share concerns that the silver fern can be mistaken for a white feather, however if the fern is drawn well I believe this concern can be mitigated.  Not only do our sportspeople wear silver ferns, but the NZ Army also uses the silver fern in their logo, and on their cap badges.  Interestingly NZ Soldiers returning from World War Two received medals featuring the silver fern, and in places as far afield asFrance andGermany , lie the bones of those who did not return, their headstones feature not the Union Jack, but a silver fern.  Many would agree that these brave people, who marched into war defiantly against the likes of the Nazi regime, were not cowards.  An old timer who fought in World War Two once told me that people fought in the war for the freedom of their friends, their families, and their country, not for a flag.  I think we should, likeCanada , officially recognise both the NZ present flag, and whatever new flag the public choose in a future referendum.  (I'm told that even today some Canadians still fly their old British style flag).  It would be a bit like how God Save the Queen and God Defend New Zealand are both official anthems of NZ, but over time New Zealanders have chosen to sing God Defend New Zealand .  One day a new flag will be officially adopted, it may be as early as 2020, it may be as late as 80 years from now. I hope that whatever form our future flag takes, it will truly represent all of us, and we won ' t all continue to cling to a colonial hand me down we inherited from an empire where the sun has well and truly set.  If you want to see my award winning new NZ flag proposal - visit www.nzflag.info. Kyle Lockwood.

PROPERTY ENHANCER, NELSON, NZ
We need a bold new vision.  Keep the silver fern for our sporting teams, so we remain passionate of our sporting prowess.  We do need to mark our prominence in the South Pacific; so bring in Maui 's waka, the long white cloud and the rivers reaching down from the Southern Alps to greet him.  Just as Cook and Tasman in their discovery voyages.  The new series "Explorer's" showed just how Maori wished to show Pakeha his treasures.  When Heaphy reached Punakaiki with his Maori guide in 1846, the view that appeared before through the nikau palms through the limestone cliffs to the distant towering Southern Alps ; would be hard to surpass inNew Zealand .

SCULPTOR/HORTICULTURIST, WAIHI, NZ
Re our NZ flag.  It really is a great flag - just look at it wrapped around Sarah Ulmer, and it is what our history is all about.  However, if people have a problem with it - i.e. too like Aussies (they are not observant, and I am sure are unable to differentiate between theNetherlands , Luxemburg andRussia ! - does this bother them?) -- or dislike the colonial connection of the Union Jack.  Let us just drop the Union Jack  ...we are so much sea and sky, and the Southern Cross is what the Maori navigated by and a fine constellation in our sky (for those who look!) keep our lovely blue flag with the southern cross (sans union jack).  This maintains roughly our flag in historical terms, is a super flag, and I am sure even the unobservant will then be able to distinguish it from the Australian flag.

MANAGER, NZ
I have just had a great conversation with a person fromEngland .  My question to her was: "How relevant is the Union Jack in the eyes of those from theUnited Kingdom ?"  Her answer was: "TheUnited Kingdom is past history and has no real relevance in any of the countries involved –England , Scotland , Wales andNorthern Ireland .  You see they all represent their own country at the Olympics.  The Union Jack is basically obsolete.”  My thoughts: "Why do we even consider having someone else’s flag inside our own especially one that has no real meaning except for those Poms that hold onto their past while trying to live here.  Most of the people trying to keep the Official flag ofNew Zealand are Expat Poms.  I say it is well past the time to have aNew Zealand flag.  I just shudder knowing that we are still thought of as a part of or even have contact with the old motherEngland .

SMALLHOLDER, KERIKERI, NZ
The only flag that all could accept is the First Tribes Flag - The Maoris can’t object – it is their flag the rest shouldn’t object – it is red white and blue and contains the Southern Cross.  Finally it fits well with our traditions to have a flag with connotations of the Royal Navy, the first Canoes etc. It is ideal.

NZ
I hope this is the right forum regarding public feedback on your proposed new flag. Personally, I don't feel any need for a new flag.  We had our flag beforeAustralia so it's only fair they should be the ones to change.  But if there MUST be a change then I think your design fails to truly representNew Zealand .  There are two MAJOR omissions.  First - THERE IS NO UNION JACK!!!!  SHOCK HORROR!!!! WE ARE A BRITISH COLONY!!!! You deny this you enter the realms of Orwell ('1984').  Our language, law, government etc is based onBritain .  It is our heritage, our ancestry, our roots.  The British are one of the two founding peoples of NZ. The 2nd omission is Maori input.  Apart from the Union Jack, Maori iwi ALONE need to be consulted and THEY should decide how best they should be represented, not a few, elite, white men unethical enough to hoodwink schoolchildren into wanting a new flag - yes, I saw the Herald article and am saddened and dismayed by your tactics.  Are BOTH sides of the debate even aired to them? The Union Jack and the Maori emblem could go side by side and be of = prominence on a green or blue background.  Frankly, I find it culturally offensive that you should leave out the Union Jack in your new design (my family is originally from theUK although I was born in NZ).  It's an insult to all those who died in the Maori wars, to the Maori people, and to the British colonists who worked so hard to make NZ what it is today.  We owe so much to their toil and sacrifice - Maori and European alike.  The Maori have it right - they acknowledge and revere their ancestors.  Read A. Duff's masterpiece 'Once Were Warriors' - which touches on this issue.  For if you lose who you were, you lose who you are.  Conclusion - please don't turn your back on your own past...  Please push for a NZ flag that tells the world who we REALLY are - by representing HONESTLY where we've come from.  Otherwise, we lose the very qualities that made us "unique" in the first place.  And that would be the greatest tragedy of all. Thanks for giving me the opportunity to have my say. Kind Regards Bronwyn

SOLDIER, CENTRAL PLATEAU, AOTEAROA
To be brutally honest here, I believe that you are paying a great deal of disrespect to those who served and fell, and those who continue to serve beneath our flag.  Firstly: If it isn't broken, why fix it?  There is nothing wrong with our flag the way it is.  It seems to me (and I may be wrong, I admit that), that most people who wish to change the flag or otherwise mess with it, have not the greater interests of the country at stake, and are merely interested in stirring up trouble, either for personal satisfaction or a marketing ploy.  Secondly: People making a noise about a foreign flag on ours.  I have served in East Timor andBosnia , and was proud to wear my country's flag on my arm, and equally proud to continue to serve beneath it.  InBosnia , we found that the locals knew the difference between us and the Brits, and were happy to acknowledge it, treating us the way we treated them, i.e. with respect and mana.  This was not carried on in the way they behaved towards the Brits, who treated them with disrespect and were down right filthy in the way they treated some of them.  Thirdly: The drive for a republic.  I refer you once again to my first point; if it isn't broken why fix it?  Just because the Aussies are kicking up a stink across the Tasman, doesn't necessarily have to mean we have to run after them and follow them blindly.  This country has a great deal of history both as part of the Empire and as part of the Commonwealth.  And this is exactly what it is, people; a commonwealth of nations.  Common meaning for all and wealth...well I'm sure you can all work out that much.  Just becauseElizabeth is our Queen, and head of the Commonwealth doesn't mean that the Brits are running the game anymore thanZimbabwe , orFiji , orAustralia or any of the other members are.  We are a confederation of nations....very much like the melting pot that our society has become in the last 20 years or so.  Fourthly: the Crack about Harry Pot heads Mum.  Just because one of her kids has done something a little wrong, and had it blown out of all proportion by the gutter press, seeking sensation in order to sell papers and subscriptions, and when something is not sensational enough, blowing it up or out and out lying in order to achieve the above.  Which one of us can say that they haven’t broken the law?  In any way?  Like the lord said; let he who is without sin among you cast the first stone.  Just because he screwed up, don't crucify his mum, who has done a damn good job for the last 50 or so years.  Finally, I believe that we already have our own brand, and distinct identity in the world.  People identify us with the All Blacks, with a determination to do well, and play fair, and a can do attitude.  Why do we have to change what is already perfectly good and doing the trick, just because someone feels that they would like to make a lot of money at the expense of the country?  Yes that’s right, the consultants will be paid a ton of cash that could be better used in more deserving areas, simply to tell people the obvious.  It is my belief, and my heartfelt pride, that we are a great nation, and do not have to do anything more, than give everyone a fair go, and a decent chance.  That said, if they do offend against the rules and mores of society, and get caught, and tried, then they should not expect to be treated equally with law abiding citizens under those laws. Thank you for your attention. Please don't publish my contact details etc. As for the rest, go for it.

NZ
A New Song Supporting a New Kiwi Flag called "The Black and the Silver Fern" can be heard here. 
Regards, Terry Mechan.

Here are the lyrics for “The Black and the Silver Fern” - 

It’s time that we had a flag of our own,
Instead of the red, white and blue,
The Black and the Silver Fern flying aloft
Will make allNew Zealand ’s hearts true

From Northern Cape Rienga to down in South Point
And all our great land in between
The Black and the Silver Fern Flying aloft
Is now what we need on the scene

Our heroes go out to conquer the field
In Distant Lands where we have dreams
And we need a flag of our own at the end
To show them whatNew Zealand means

It means we’re United, the Black and the White,
It means we won’t ever give in
And we’ll hold the Black and the Silver Fern high
Whether we lose or we win

It’s time that we had a flag of our own
Instead of the Red White and Blue
We’ve nothing against our ancestral lands
It’s just that we’re living anew

So stand up you Kiwis wherever you are
And raise your glass high to the sky
To New Zealand,The Flag,The Black and The Fern
We’ll a