Even more than the koru, the silver fern has become a national symbol, and is worn by many of the country's sports teams, including the beloved All Blacks rugby team.

Almost all of the 40 finalists feature one of three design elements, or a combination of them: the koru, the silver fern and the Southern Cross. The koru is a spiral symbol that was often used in ...

Almost all of the 40 finalists feature one of three design elements, or a combination of them: the koru, the silver fern and the Southern Cross. The koru is a spiral symbol that was often used in ...

Three of the new designs show the silver fern — a plant indigenous to New Zealand that has become an important symbol of the country, its people, culture and sport. The fourth flag depicts the ...

The black and white Silver Fern came fourth, and the koru came last. The preliminary result was announced by the New Zealand Election Commission on Friday, with 1,527,042 votes cast.

Three of the designs feature the silver fern — New Zealand's national symbol — while the fourth depicts a black and white Koru, a Maori symbol that represents an unfurling fern.

The contemporary circular Koru design is inspired by a new fern frond unfurling as it grows represents new life and harmony, the circle of life representing no beginning or end.

The silver fern is the koru unfurled. Native ferns are found throughout New Zealand forests and the silver fern is noted for its striking appearance. Even more than the koru, the silver fern has ...