A Silver Fern for New Zealand Aotearoa

Few symbols are as closely tied to New Zealand identity as the silver fern. Simple, strong, and instantly recognisable, it’s a form that carries meaning without needing explanation.

The silver fern is actually the National Symbol of New Zealand (Aotearoa is the Māori name for New Zealand). Did you think New Zealand's national symbol was the kiwi bird? You will be forgiven for possibly thinking that. 

This design reinterprets the silver fern in a clean, modern Kiwiana style — sharp leaf geometry, a diagonal stance, and a restrained black-and-silver palette designed specifically for apparel. Arced AOTEAROA and NEW ZEALAND lettering frame the fern without overpowering it, keeping the focus on the symbol itself. Apparel items are on a transparent background to allow you to choose the appropriate color to support the image. 

New Zealand Silver Fern Apparel

Like my recent kiwi designs with koru motif pattern, this piece is built to be timeless rather than trendy — something that feels just as right on a t-shirt today as it will years from now. 

The silver fern design is now available in my KornKob Art online store at Redbubble across apparel and other merchandise options.

All designs are available in the Kiwiana Collection.

Leave a comment on Redbubble to let me know what you think of this design.