MARCH 29, 2026 — In New Zealand, the “Laser Kiwi” flag has made a high-profile appearance on the official flagpoles of the New Plymouth District Council after a light-hearted request from the crew of the HMNZS Aotearoa, says The Post.
New Plymouth Mayor Max Brough described the move as a moment of “light-heartedness” intended to brighten the community’s day.
The flag, which depicts a kiwi emitting a green laser from its eyes alongside a silver fern, was originally designed for the 2015–2016 New Zealand flag referendums. Although it was excluded from the official government shortlist, the design became a viral phenomenon and has remained a symbol of alternative national identity.
The display follows a decade of reflection on the $22 million referendum process initiated by former Prime Minister John Key, as detailed in a retrospective by The Spinoff.
While the 2016 vote resulted in the retention of the current national flag by a margin of 56.7% to 43.3%, critics continue to debate the methodology of the selection.
North American Vexillological Association secretary Ted Kaye characterized the process as “fundamentally flawed,” suggesting that the ballot structure inherently favoured the status quo by splitting the “change” vote between those who wanted a new design and those who specifically disliked the Lockwood silver fern alternative.
Reflecting on the tenth anniversary of the vote, John Key suggested that a referendum may have been an ineffective tool for such a change, noting that political leaders in Canada and South Africa achieved iconic designs through parliamentary action rather than public polls.
Key noted that “referendums become politicised,” a sentiment echoed by panel member Malcolm Mulholland, who observed that many citizens likely voted against the change as a personal or partisan rebuke of the government of the day.
In New Plymouth, the Laser Kiwi was flown alongside the New Zealand national flag, the Tino Rangatiratanga flag, and the city’s municipal flag. Mayor Brough indicated that the council follows a specific protocol for its five flagpoles to highlight various themes and celebrations, with the Pride flag scheduled for display in April.
The specific Laser Kiwi flag used for the occasion was donated by a council staff member and will be sent to the crew of the HMNZS Aotearoa following its weekend display. The council has expressed interest in acquiring a larger version for future use to ensure visibility from the sea.
CORRECTION: The referendum cost was initially stated to be $26 million. It is corrected to $22 million.
