flag withdrawn?

It is said that a rumour can travel half-way around the world whilst the truth is still getting its pants on  – The same can be said about rumours flying about this week that one of our silver fern flag designs supposedly being withdrawn at the request of the designer.

This from the New Zealand Government; 

“...To confirm, no design can be withdrawn from the first referendum by anyone other than the Crown (who is also the copyright holder of the designs throughout the two referendum process - see below). 

The four alternative flag designs selected by the Flag Consideration Panel for the first referendum are protected by copyright. In accordance with the Flag Design Terms and Conditions, the copyright in the flag designs is owned by the Crown during the referendum process, and following that process if a new flag is chosen. After the first and second referendums, copyright in any unsuccessful flag designs will be assigned back to the designers as appropriate. Once copyright has been assigned back to the designers, any use of those flag designs will require permission from the designers or any other owner of copyright in those flag designs (unless the use is otherwise permitted under the Copyright Act 1994).”

silverfernflag.org