Flag concepts for the South Island
New Zealand is a unitary nation rather than a federation, and as such there has been no specific flag used to represent the two main islands or most of the minor islands other than the national flag (with the notable exceptions of the Chatham Islands and Stewart Island).
There are occasional half-hearted calls for some degree of autonomy for the South Island — most notably in the form of the NZ South Island Party which contested several seats at a New Zealand general election in the 1990s. There is, however, little suggestion of any real move for autonomy, and no active movement towards separation or federalisation.
The sense of separate identity for the south has sparked the interest of many vexillologists (flag researchers) and vexillographers (flag designers) into possible designs for a South island flag. Several of these have gained a small degree of acceptance as designs to represent the South Island as an entity, as opposed to simply part of a larger whole (which, due to the larger population of the North island, tends to be subsumed by that of its neighbour). Two of these designs are shown below.
James Dignan's concept
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This flag image is from the Flags of the World website.
Vexillologist James Dignan proposed a flag depicting the Southern Cross stars that appear on the New Zealand national flag, with a depiction of the Southern Alps (the white peak) and the forests and fields of the south (the green inset). The Southern Alps are the South Island's most prominent geological feature, and agriculture and forestry the main primary industries, thus making this concept a pleasing representation. This flag has gained a small degree of acceptance, appearing at several sporting events and rallies in the South Island, and as an image on some merchandise items.
Dean Thomas' concept
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Vexillologist Dean Thomas proposed a flag that reflects early Māori Flags (ensigns defaced by lettering). In this concept, the white background represents the snow of the Southern Alps while the red stripe represents the people (Māori and European populace). The New Zealand White Ensign is placed in the canton so as to blend in with the white background color. Te Wai Pounamu is the Māori name for the South Island.