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| Adoption =
| Adoption =
| Design = A black flag charged with a [[Dicksonia squarrosa|New Zealand fern]] and a [[Kiwi (bird)|kiwi]] shooting a green [[laser]] beam from its eye.
| Design = A black flag charged with a [[Dicksonia squarrosa|New Zealand fern]] and a [[Kiwi (bird)|kiwi]] shooting a green [[laser]] beam from its eye.
| Designer = James Gray
| Designer = Lucy Gray
}}
}}


The '''Laser Kiwi flag''', originally titled '''Fire the Lazer''', was designed in 2015 by James Gray as a proposed flag of [[New Zealand]] for the [[2015–2016 New Zealand flag referendums]]. It has since become a social media phenomenon that has created ongoing interest in the design.
The '''Laser Kiwi flag''', originally titled '''Fire the Lazer''', was designed in 2015 by Lucy Gray as a proposed flag of [[New Zealand]] for the [[2015–2016 New Zealand flag referendums]]. It has since become a social media phenomenon that has created ongoing interest in the design.


==Background==
==Background==
The Laser Kiwi flag was created in 2015 by Lucy Gray, a former [[ACT New Zealand|ACT Party]] candidate,<ref name="Seymour slam">{{cite news |title=Exclusive: Former Act candidate slams David Seymour on trans issues |url=https://gayexpress.co.nz/2020/10/exclusive-former-act-candidate-slams-david-seymour-on-trans-issues/ |access-date=7 March 2022 |work=Express |date=8 October 2020 |archive-date=13 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220513074840/https://gayexpress.co.nz/2020/10/exclusive-former-act-candidate-slams-david-seymour-on-trans-issues/ |url-status=live }}</ref> as a proposed flag of New Zealand.<ref name="uninspired by flag designs">{{cite news |last1=Price |first1=Rosanna |date=1 September 2015 |title=Laser-kiwi artist uninspired by flag designs |work=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]] |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/71626438/laser-kiwi-artist-uninspired-by-flag-designs |url-status=live |access-date=7 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220513074840/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/71626438/laser-kiwi-artist-uninspired-by-flag-designs |archive-date=13 May 2022}}</ref> She produced the flag design in [[Microsoft Paint]] during an evening. Inspired by the many "deadly animals" in Australia, she took a Kiwi icon and turned it into a deadly animal. When the initial four chosen options were released for the first stage of the [[2015–2016 New Zealand flag referendums|New Zealand flag referendums]], Gray stated that she was "uninspired" by the designs as they "didn't derive much meaning" for her.<ref name="uninspired by flag designs"/>
⚫
The Laser Kiwi flag was created by James Gray (see bio below) in 2015 as a proposed flag of New Zealand. During the [[2015–2016 New Zealand flag referendums]], the Laser Kiwi flag became a large social media phenomenon, and was used in [[Sketch comedy|comedy routines]] by comedians, such as [[John Oliver]], discussing the flag referendum and New Zealand in general.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Laser Kiwi flag |url= https://nzhistory.govt.nz/media/photo/fire-lazar |publisher=[[Ministry for Culture and Heritage]] |date=1 February 2021 |access-date=14 May 2020}}</ref> The flag features a [[Dicksonia squarrosa|New Zealand fern]] and a [[Kiwi (bird)|kiwi]] shooting a green [[laser]] beam from its eyes. The description of the flag was that "the laser beam projects a powerful image of New Zealand. I believe my design is so powerful it does not need to be discussed."<ref>Humorous reference to a 2010 comment by [[Young ACT|ACT on Campus]] president Rick Giles. See {{section link|Young Act|Opposition of Earth Hour}} and {{cite web |title=I think my argument is so powerful |url=https://knowyourmeme.com/memes/i-think-my-argument-is-so-powerful |website=Know Your Meme |access-date=13 April 2022}}</ref> It was often joked by comedians that if the flag was to become the official flag of New Zealand, it would cause "fear" in New Zealand's enemies.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Hunt |first=Elle |date=15 May 2015 |title=New Zealand's new flag: 15 quirky contenders |work=The Guardian |url= https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/may/15/new-zealands-new-flag-15-quirky-contenders |access-date=14 May 2020|issn=0261-3077}}</ref>


⚫
During the New Zealand flag referendums, the Laser Kiwi flag became a large social media phenomenon and was used in [[Sketch comedy|comedy routines]] by comedians, such as [[John Oliver]], discussing the flag referendum and New Zealand in general.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Laser Kiwi flag |url=https://nzhistory.govt.nz/media/photo/fire-lazar |publisher=[[Ministry for Culture and Heritage]] |date=1 February 2021 |access-date=14 May 2020 |archive-date=13 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220513074840/https://nzhistory.govt.nz/media/photo/fire-lazar |url-status=live }}</ref> The flag features a [[Dicksonia squarrosa|New Zealand fern]] and a [[Kiwi (bird)|kiwi]] shooting a green [[laser]] beam from its eyes. The description of the flag was that "the laser beam projects a powerful image of New Zealand. I believe my design is so powerful it does not need to be discussed."<ref>Humorous reference to a 2010 comment by [[Young ACT|ACT on Campus]] president Rick Giles. See {{section link|Young Act|Opposition of Earth Hour}} and {{cite web |title=I think my argument is so powerful |url=https://knowyourmeme.com/memes/i-think-my-argument-is-so-powerful |website=Know Your Meme |date=10 June 2010 |access-date=13 April 2022 |archive-date=16 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220416194321/https://knowyourmeme.com/memes/i-think-my-argument-is-so-powerful |url-status=live }}</ref> It was often joked by comedians that if the flag was to become the official flag of New Zealand, it would cause "fear" in New Zealand's enemies.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Hunt |first=Elle |date=15 May 2015 |title=New Zealand's new flag: 15 quirky contenders |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/may/15/new-zealands-new-flag-15-quirky-contenders |access-date=14 May 2020 |issn=0261-3077 |archive-date=21 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220621151042/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/may/15/new-zealands-new-flag-15-quirky-contenders |url-status=live }}</ref>
After the referendum, the flag's popularity made a "comeback" as it became widely available as a [[Final good|consumer product]], and is often seen at events such as [[sports]] or [[concerts]] across and outside of [[New Zealand]].<ref>{{Cite news |title=Behind the scenes: the Laser Kiwi banner that lifted the All Whites |url= https://thespinoff.co.nz/sports/13-11-2017/behind-the-scenes-the-laser-kiwi-banner-that-lifted-the-all-whites/ |last=Wall |first=Jamie |date=13 November 2017 |work=[[The Spinoff]] |access-date=14 May 2020}}</ref>


==Post-referendum popularity==
==James Gray==
After the referendum, the flag's popularity made a "comeback" as it became widely available as a [[Final good|consumer product]], and is often seen at events such as [[sports]] or [[concerts]] across and outside of [[New Zealand]].<ref>{{Cite news |title=Behind the scenes: the Laser Kiwi banner that lifted the All Whites |url=https://thespinoff.co.nz/sports/13-11-2017/behind-the-scenes-the-laser-kiwi-banner-that-lifted-the-all-whites/ |last=Wall |first=Jamie |date=13 November 2017 |work=[[The Spinoff]] |access-date=14 May 2020 |archive-date=13 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220413084129/https://thespinoff.co.nz/sports/13-11-2017/behind-the-scenes-the-laser-kiwi-banner-that-lifted-the-all-whites |url-status=live }}</ref> During the [[Russian invasion of Ukraine]], the Laser Kiwi flag was used as a symbol by volunteer soldiers from New Zealand.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-08-22 |title=Laser Kiwi flag spotted on Ukraine battlefield |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/russia-ukraine-war-laser-kiwi-flag-spotted-on-battlefied-among-nz-fighters/5VUKWYVQJREKVMHOXQYCAZFUJU/ |access-date=2023-08-21 |website=NZ Herald |language=en-NZ}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Halpin |first=James |date=2023-05-26 |title=NZ soldier fighting in Ukraine was inspired by fallen friend, carries Laser Kiwi flag |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/world/europe/300885650/nz-soldier-fighting-in-ukraine-was-inspired-by-fallen-friend-carries-laser-kiwi-flag |access-date=2023-08-21 |website=Stuff |language=en}}</ref> A similar design was submitted for the 2023 contest to redesign the [[flag of Minnesota]], featuring a [[loon]] with laser eyes.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Waiwiri-Smith |first=Lyric |date=10 November 2023 |title=Minnesota is looking for a new flag, and now they have a version of the Laser Kiwi |work=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]] |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/world/us-canada/301006773/minnesota-is-looking-for-a-new-flag-and-now-they-have-a-version-of-the-laser-kiwi |access-date=November 24, 2023}}</ref>
James Gray (born {{birth based on age as of date |25 |2014|July|31|noage=1}})<ref name="ACT candidate" /> is from [[New Plymouth]] and works as an audio-visual technician.<ref name="uninspired by flag designs" /> He was a member of the youth wing of [[ACT New Zealand]] and stood in the [[2014 New Zealand general election|2014 general election]] in the {{NZ electorate link|New Plymouth}} electorate under his birth name.<ref name="ACT candidate">{{cite news |last1=Harvey |first1=Helen |title=ACT shows off new candidate |url= https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/10332618/ACT-shows-off-new-candidate |access-date=7 March 2022 |work=[[Taranaki Daily News]] |date=31 July 2014}}</ref> [[Party lists in the 2014 New Zealand general election#ACT|Ranked 28th on the party's list]] and receiving 0.55% of the electorate vote, he was not elected.<ref>{{cite web | url= http://www.electionresults.govt.nz/electionresults_2014/electorate-32.html | title=2014 election results | publisher=[[Electoral Commission (New Zealand)|Electoral Commission]] | date=10 October 2014 | access-date=15 February 2015}}</ref> He left the party in 2017.<ref name="Seymour slam">{{cite news |title=Exclusive: Former Act candidate slams David Seymour on trans issues |url= https://gayexpress.co.nz/2020/10/exclusive-former-act-candidate-slams-david-seymour-on-trans-issues/ |access-date=7 March 2022 |work=Express |date=8 October 2020}}</ref>

Gray moved to [[Auckland]] following his parliamentary candidacy. He produced hir flag design in [[Microsoft Paint]] during an evening. Inspired by the many "deadly animals" in Australia, he took a Kiwi icon and turned it into a deadly animal. When the initial four chosen options were released for the first stage of the New Zealand flag referendums, Gray stated that he was "uninspired" by the designs as they "didn't derive much meaning" for him.<ref name="uninspired by flag designs">{{cite news |last1=Price |first1=Rosanna |title=Laser-kiwi artist uninspired by flag designs |url= https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/71626438/laser-kiwi-artist-uninspired-by-flag-designs |access-date=7 March 2022 |work=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]] |date=1 September 2015}}</ref>

Gray is transgender and transitioned into a woman after his ACT candidacy.<ref name="Seymour slam" />


== References ==
== References ==

Latest revision as of 16:43, 18 June 2024

Laser Kiwi flag
UseSmall vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Proposed
Proportion1:2
DesignA black flag charged with a New Zealand fern and a kiwi shooting a green laser beam from its eye.
Designed byLucy Gray

The Laser Kiwi flag, originally titled Fire the Lazer, was designed in 2015 by Lucy Gray as a proposed flag of New Zealand for the 2015–2016 New Zealand flag referendums. It has since become a social media phenomenon that has created ongoing interest in the design.

Background

[edit]

The Laser Kiwi flag was created in 2015 by Lucy Gray, a former ACT Party candidate,[1] as a proposed flag of New Zealand.[2] She produced the flag design in Microsoft Paint during an evening. Inspired by the many "deadly animals" in Australia, she took a Kiwi icon and turned it into a deadly animal. When the initial four chosen options were released for the first stage of the New Zealand flag referendums, Gray stated that she was "uninspired" by the designs as they "didn't derive much meaning" for her.[2]

During the New Zealand flag referendums, the Laser Kiwi flag became a large social media phenomenon and was used in comedy routines by comedians, such as John Oliver, discussing the flag referendum and New Zealand in general.[3] The flag features a New Zealand fern and a kiwi shooting a green laser beam from its eyes. The description of the flag was that "the laser beam projects a powerful image of New Zealand. I believe my design is so powerful it does not need to be discussed."[4] It was often joked by comedians that if the flag was to become the official flag of New Zealand, it would cause "fear" in New Zealand's enemies.[5]

Post-referendum popularity

[edit]

After the referendum, the flag's popularity made a "comeback" as it became widely available as a consumer product, and is often seen at events such as sports or concerts across and outside of New Zealand.[6] During the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the Laser Kiwi flag was used as a symbol by volunteer soldiers from New Zealand.[7][8] A similar design was submitted for the 2023 contest to redesign the flag of Minnesota, featuring a loon with laser eyes.[9]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Exclusive: Former Act candidate slams David Seymour on trans issues". Express. 8 October 2020. Archived from the original on 13 May 2022. Retrieved 7 March 2022.
  2. ^ a b Price, Rosanna (1 September 2015). "Laser-kiwi artist uninspired by flag designs". Stuff. Archived from the original on 13 May 2022. Retrieved 7 March 2022.
  3. ^ "Laser Kiwi flag". Ministry for Culture and Heritage. 1 February 2021. Archived from the original on 13 May 2022. Retrieved 14 May 2020.
  4. ^ Humorous reference to a 2010 comment by ACT on Campus president Rick Giles. See Young Act § Opposition of Earth Hour and "I think my argument is so powerful". Know Your Meme. 10 June 2010. Archived from the original on 16 April 2022. Retrieved 13 April 2022.
  5. ^ Hunt, Elle (15 May 2015). "New Zealand's new flag: 15 quirky contenders". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Archived from the original on 21 June 2022. Retrieved 14 May 2020.
  6. ^ Wall, Jamie (13 November 2017). "Behind the scenes: the Laser Kiwi banner that lifted the All Whites". The Spinoff. Archived from the original on 13 April 2022. Retrieved 14 May 2020.
  7. ^ "Laser Kiwi flag spotted on Ukraine battlefield". NZ Herald. 22 August 2023. Retrieved 21 August 2023.
  8. ^ Halpin, James (26 May 2023). "NZ soldier fighting in Ukraine was inspired by fallen friend, carries Laser Kiwi flag". Stuff. Retrieved 21 August 2023.
  9. ^ Waiwiri-Smith, Lyric (10 November 2023). "Minnesota is looking for a new flag, and now they have a version of the Laser Kiwi". Stuff. Retrieved 24 November 2023.
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