New Zealand Silver Fern Flag - Lockwood Design

The fern flag that nearly replaced the Union Jack.

There are two flags a Kiwi can fly, and plenty of listings will not tell you straight which one you are getting. Order blind and the parcel that turns up is either the official flag when you wanted the fern, or the fern when you wanted the Union Jack.

This one is Kyle Lockwood's Silver Fern design — black at the hoist, the white fern running the diagonal, and a blue field carrying the four red stars of the Southern Cross. It is the alternative design that made the final of New Zealand's flag referendum, and for plenty of Kiwis it is the one that should have won. To be clear: it is not the current official New Zealand flag — the official one carries the Union Jack.

At 900 mm x 1.5 m it is a full-size flag, big enough to pick out across a campground. The hoist edge carries a header strip with two metal eyelets, so it ties onto a camp pole, a 4x4 aerial or the awning rope with nothing more than a couple of zip ties or a length of cord.

What It Does

• Campsite marker: fly it off the awning and your crew finds the right site without a phone call.
• On the tracks: tied to a 4x4 aerial it shows exactly which vehicle is yours in convoy dust.
• Shed wall: light enough to hang flat above the bench with pins through the hem.
• Game day: a full-size fern for the fence line or the front porch when the rugby is on.
• Expat pride: for Kiwis in Australia who want the fern on the pole, not a printout taped in the window.

Key Features

• Lockwood design: the Silver Fern (Black, White and Blue) — the referendum alternative, not the official flag.
• Full display size: 900 mm x 1.5 m.
• Polyester fabric: stated by the supplier; light enough to lift in a modest breeze.
• Two metal eyelets: on a reinforced header strip at the hoist, as shown in the supplier's images.
• Sewn hems: hemmed on the exposed edges; the supplier does not state the stitch specification.
• No pole needed: ties to whatever you already have — pole, aerial, rope or railing.
• Indoors or out: flies outside or hangs as a wall flag.

Limits

• Not the official flag: this is Kyle Lockwood's alternative design. If you want the current New Zealand flag with the Union Jack, this is not it.
• Light flag, light duty: printed polyester suits campsites, events and wall display. It is not a marine-grade sewn bunting flag, and no light flag survives flying day and night in strong coastal wind — bring it in when the weather turns.
• Sides not stated: the supplier does not say whether the design is printed on one side or both. Flags of this type are usually printed on one side, with the design showing through in reverse on the back.
• Proportions: the referendum design was drawn at 1:2; like most commercial versions this flag is 3:5, so the layout sits slightly compressed against the original.
• Nothing else in the box: no pole, rope or clips included — you get the flag and its two eyelets.

Q & A

Is this the official New Zealand flag?

No. This is Kyle Lockwood's Silver Fern design, the alternative that made the final of New Zealand's flag referendum. The official flag carries the Union Jack in the corner — check the photos before you order so you get the design you actually want.

How do I fly it?

Two metal eyelets sit on the header strip at the hoist edge. Zip ties, cord or snap clips onto a camp pole, flagpole, 4x4 aerial or awning rope all work — no special hardware needed.

Is the design printed on both sides?

The supplier does not say. Flags of this type are typically printed on one side with the design showing through in reverse on the back — plan on that being the case.

Can I leave it flying permanently?

You can, but sun and wind wear any lightweight polyester flag, and the fly end goes first. If you want it looking sharp for the long haul, fly it for occasions and bring it in during rough weather.

How long until it arrives?

Delivery is 10–14 days from the day you order — allow up to 3 weeks to be safe. Shipping is free across Australia and New Zealand.

Specs