New Zealand picks new flag design to challenge current flag

Updated At : 07:16 PM Dec 15, 2015 IST

In this file photo taken on December 11, 2015, proposed New Zealand flags fly in Wellington. A flag with a silver fern on a black-and-blue background was confirmed December 15, 2015 as New Zealand''s preferred option if the country decides to replace its current standard that features Britain''s Union Jack. AFP

Wellington, December 15

New Zealanders chose a new flag design today but the question now is whether enough people will rally behind it to oust the current flag.

Final results from a postal ballot were announced. The winning design features a silver fern and red stars on a black and blue background. The new design will now go head-to-head against the current flag in a national vote in March.

The winning design has similarities to the current flag but ditches the British Union Jack in favor of the fern, which has become a national symbol and is worn by many sports teams, including the beloved All Blacks rugby team.

New Zealanders earlier submitted more than 10,000 designs as they contemplated a change in their national symbol. — AP

New Zealand picks new flag design to challenge current flag

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