Our hope is that New Zealanders will see themselves reflected in these flags’ symbols, colour and stories ... fern leaves, the Maori koru loop shape and the Southern Cross constellation ...

Another popular emblem is the traditional Maori koru, external symbol, which depicts an unfurling silver fern. The koru appears in a lot of Maori imagery and traditional tattoos Some also favour ...

All but one of the designs, external - which could end up replacing the existing Union Jack-emblazoned flag - uses the national silver fern symbol. The fourth shows the curving koru Maori symbol.