‘Modern Hundertwasser’ flag removed from longlist

A copy of Friedensreich Hundertwasser's original Koru Flag has been removed from the longlist of designs being considered for the NZ Flag Referendum.

The original Koru Flag designed for New Zealand by Friedensreich Hundertwasser.

The flag was removed after copyright concerns were raised by the Hundertwasser Non Profit Foundation in Vienna.

The original Koru Flag, designed by the artist after he became a New Zealand citizen in 1983, had been entered into the design competition a number of times but was not chosen as one of  the Top 40.

The Foundation was happy for the original Hundertwasser Koru Flag to be included in the competition.

Fundraising is currently underway to build a Hundertwasser-designed art centre in Whangarei. The community group steering the project confirm that the final design for the art centre, developed from original sketches by Hundertwasser, is wholly supported by the Hundertwasser Non Profit Foundation in Vienna.

“The HUNDERTWASSER ART CENTRE with Wairau Māori Art Gallery could not exist without the full support of the Foundation” says Barry Trass, from the project control.

“The Foundation have gifted Whangarei an invaluable taonga – not only the design for the art centre, but the loan of original Hundertwasser artworks for display, in perpetuity. The unique value of our art centre is it’s authenticity as the last Hundertwasser building to be created in the world.”

The project group say they are delighted that Hundertwasser’s Koru Flag still appeals so much to New Zealanders, over thirty years after he designed it as a ‘gift to New Zealand” when he became a citizen of his adopted country.

More information about the Hundertwasser Koru Flag here.