Designers in favour

Canterbury designers have joined others throughout the country celebrating the news Red Peak will be included in the flag referendum.

Christchurch-based artist Aaron Caldwell said he was ‘‘really pleased’’ to hear Red Peak was tipped to make the shortlist.

‘‘I feel strongly it’s the best design. I think it represents New Zealand moving forward, but also pays homage to our past, and to Maori culture. I think it tells a stronger story about us than the others,’’ he said

While Red Peak is a latecomer to the referendum, Caldwell believed it could continue to gain popular support.

‘‘I think it’s a good strong image the wider community can get behind,’’ he said.

Richard Burson, a designer at Christchurch firm McCarthy Design, said he was excited to see Red Peak make the lineup.

‘‘Red Peak has been the most interesting conversation in this whole process for me,’’ Burson said. ‘‘Initially I was pretty stoked to see New Zealand having a design-based discussion, and then disappointed when I saw what we were faced with. So it was only when I saw Red Peak as the alternative option that I really formed an opinion.’’

‘‘Red Peak got me excited because it seemed design-led.’’

Designers Institute of New Zealand chief executive Cathy Veninga said the Red Peak ‘‘ought’’ to be included.

‘‘It is a better design than what was selected. It has good, informed design sensibilities and this has helped to increase popular uptake,’’ she said.