New Zealanders have to fight for ownership of everything — from the pavlova to the Russell Crowe — but no longer will they have to fight for their flag.

The kind people of the New Zealand government are allowing the public to submit designs for a revamped national icon. Finally, the opportunity to distance themselves from the lookalike Australian flag is upon them.

The flag — which stands apart from the Australian flag by dropping two stars and making them five point — was legally adopted in 1902 and since then, there has never been an official discussion about the flag. Until now.

Now, New Zealanders have really been given the opportunity to make their mark, to put their name on the map, to stand apart from those damn Aussies. And this is what they have come up with. At least we know for sure that Microsoft Paint is still in common usage.

Welcome to China.

The People's Republic of New Zealand. "This is a flag for the current, and future of NZ economic standings and foreign relations. It is a thing of beauty."

Think of the children.

NZ Magic. "It's really simply and easy to draw which would be great for children."

Simple yet elegant.

Moa flag. "Simple yet elegant."