Kiwi flag design meets all New Zealand’s criteria

JIM Sullivan's lighthearted suggestion in his ‘‘Nothing Too Serious’’ column (ODT, 7.9.21) that renaming New Zealand ‘‘Kiwiland’’ would solve the fiasco of the flag referendums of 201516 does have some merit.

It is widely acknowledged the success of the Canadian flag design is that the maple leaf is instantly recognisable, unique, and a symbol cherished by Canadians.

If we were to revisit the flag issue, we might apply the same criteria. The kiwi is the only New Zealand symbol that meets all three.

Our flag should be simple, distinctive, and be recognisable by a 5yearold child here, as well as by folk both within and beyond the sporting fraternity overseas.

When overseas, I'm inevitably known as the Kiwi in the group; our currency is referred to as the kiwi dollar; the Kiwis play league; and sportscasters congratulate winning Kiwis.

The kiwi is displayed by our military — and it goes on.

I propose the attached kiwi flag design for Jim's consideration. Allan Portis

Waverley

WHAT a wonderful story of the necessity of a ladder in the Patearoa Library by your regular correspondent and underassistant junior librarian, Jim Sullivan (ODT, 31.8.21).

Can I suggest that he uses the example of the outstanding Long Room library at Dublin’s Trinity University, where the ladders are frighteningly long, but I believe the books are shelved by size.

Thankfully the iconic Book of Kells in that magnificent library is at ground level. Russell Garbutt

Clyde ..................................

BIBLE READING: Encourage one another and build each other up. — Thessalonians 5.11.