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Laser Kiwi flag

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Laser Kiwi flag
UseSmall vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Proposed
Proportion1:2
DesignA black flag charged with a New Zealand fern and a kiwi shooting a green laser beam from its eye.
Designed byLucy Gray

The Laser Kiwi flag, originally titled Fire the Lazer, was designed in 2015 by Lucy Gray as a proposed flag of New Zealand for the 2015–2016 New Zealand flag referendums. It has since become a social media phenomenon that has created ongoing interest in the design.

Background

The Laser Kiwi flag was created by James Gray (see bio below) in 2015 as a proposed flag of New Zealand. During the 2015–2016 New Zealand flag referendums, the Laser Kiwi flag became a large social media phenomenon, and was used in comedy routines by comedians, such as John Oliver, discussing the flag referendum and New Zealand in general.[1] The flag features a New Zealand fern and a kiwi shooting a green laser beam from its eyes. The description of the flag was that "the laser beam projects a powerful image of New Zealand. I believe my design is so powerful it does not need to be discussed."[2] It was often joked by comedians that if the flag was to become the official flag of New Zealand, it would cause "fear" in New Zealand's enemies.[3]

After the referendum, the flag's popularity made a "comeback" as it became widely available as a consumer product, and is often seen at events such as sports or concerts across and outside of New Zealand.[4]

James Gray

James Gray (born 1988 or 1989)[5] is from New Plymouth and works as an audio-visual technician.[6] He was a member of the youth wing of ACT New Zealand and stood in the 2014 general election in the New Plymouth electorate under his birth name.[5] Ranked 28th on the party's list and receiving 0.55% of the electorate vote, he was not elected.[7] He left the party in 2017.[8]

Gray moved to Auckland following his parliamentary candidacy. He produced hir flag design in Microsoft Paint during an evening. Inspired by the many "deadly animals" in Australia, he took a Kiwi icon and turned it into a deadly animal. When the initial four chosen options were released for the first stage of the New Zealand flag referendums, Gray stated that he was "uninspired" by the designs as they "didn't derive much meaning" for him.[6]

Gray is transgender and transitioned into a woman after his ACT candidacy.[8]

References

  1. ^ "Laser Kiwi flag". Ministry for Culture and Heritage. 1 February 2021. Retrieved 14 May 2020.
  2. ^ Humorous reference to a 2010 comment by ACT on Campus president Rick Giles. See Young Act § Opposition of Earth Hour and "I think my argument is so powerful". Know Your Meme. Retrieved 13 April 2022.
  3. ^ Hunt, Elle (15 May 2015). "New Zealand's new flag: 15 quirky contenders". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 14 May 2020.
  4. ^ Wall, Jamie (13 November 2017). "Behind the scenes: the Laser Kiwi banner that lifted the All Whites". The Spinoff. Retrieved 14 May 2020.
  5. ^ a b Harvey, Helen (31 July 2014). "ACT shows off new candidate". Taranaki Daily News. Retrieved 7 March 2022.
  6. ^ a b Price, Rosanna (1 September 2015). "Laser-kiwi artist uninspired by flag designs". Stuff. Retrieved 7 March 2022.
  7. ^ "2014 election results". Electoral Commission. 10 October 2014. Retrieved 15 February 2015.
  8. ^ a b "Exclusive: Former Act candidate slams David Seymour on trans issues". Express. 8 October 2020. Retrieved 7 March 2022.
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