The Opportunities Party will change its logo, but insists it is not a reaction to criticism it looks too similar to the Red Peak flag design.
Critics said the party's original logo, pictured, was too similar to the flag design. Photo: RNZ / Eva Corlett
Red Peak was added to the 2015 flag referendum after a groundswell of support from the public. Photo: Facebook / Red Peak NZ Flag
Advocates of the flag, which appeared in last year's referendum, have previously accused the party of unfairly using Red Peak's hard-earned profile.
Opportunities Party leader Gareth Morgan said the decision to change their logo had nothing to do with Red Peak.
A badge with the new TOP logo on it Photo: RNZ / Mei Heron
He said it was purely because it would be easier to identify them on the voting form if they used a logo with the word "TOP", which is an abbreviation of their party name.
"It's become pretty obvious that people are using the word 'TOP' all the time, so you're having a brainstorm about that, and you think - 'shivers, we really should be using that as the logo'."
They would continue to use Wā Kainga - their original logo - as part of their campaign and have the symbol on their billboards and merchandise, Mr Morgan said.
"I really like Wā Kainga because what it stands for is our home, and it symbolises Māori, British settlers and all the subsequent multi-national people. It has real meaning to us.
"So we're going to keep using it, that's for sure. Not changing that. It's not Red Peak."
