5 The detail in our coastline

• THE rugged shape of the coastline is engaging and attracting and contrasts with the straight regularity of the square. Depending on the use, the coastline can be rendered in different degrees of detail.

Example of coastline drawn with straight lines

For example, in big applications like a flag, the coast could be detailed; on a stamp, it can be simplified. And this, without losing the overall shape and concept.

Lakes can be included or omitted. Large features such as Hawke Bay and the Bay of Plenty are big enough to feature in most versions; smaller bays can be added or subtracted as needed.

This possibility of adjustment, means that the design can better fit a wide range of applications.

In some variants, this outline could show the cornucopia of geography that is Aotearoa: a spit, an isthmus; bays, coves, lakes, gulfs, fjords, sounds, islands and peninsulas. Could any other symbol for NZ do more to stimulate tourism?