It is inevitable that Australia will get a new flag. As our nation grows in global stature, becomes more cosmopolitan, and feels more and more left behind by first Canada, and now New Zealand, the move to a new national flag is only a matter of time.

In 2015, Canada is celebrating 50 years since swapping from the old colonial design flag to its distinctive red-on-white maple leaf design. That flag brands Canada in its own right. While there was the expected debate before the change – including the worry that generations of Canadians had fought under the old standard – it's hard to find a Canadian these days who is not immensely proud of their global maple leaf branding and recognition.

The world equates the kangaroo with Australia and the kangaroo is beautifully dashing. Credit:lynda

Now, New Zealand's conservative Prime Minister, John Key, is implementing a bold election commitment to put a new Kiwi flag on the nation's agenda. As in Canada, a process of design selection, involving the public, has begun to sort out the best option. Four new designs will be voted on before a final referendum to decide whether to adopt the new or stick with the old.

Just as the beaver and bear lost out in Canada, it looks like the kiwi won't be on the new flag of New Zealand. The country's emblematic plant, the silver fern, will hold pride of place instead. As with the beaver and bear, the kiwi, short of a fabricated stylisation, is a tad too stocky and sedentary for a lively new standard.