Over 10,000 people are trying to design New Zealand's new flag - here a few of the most gorgeous entries

New Zealand is inching closer to a new flag.

Last year, Prime Minister John Key invited New Zealanders to design alternate flags that could replace the current design, which includes a Union Jack and the four stars of the Southern Cross constellation.

More than 10,000 submissions were made, and on Monday a panel announced the 40 designs that made the cut.

If they win referendums this and next year, one of these flags could become the new national banner.

Here are a few of the 40 designs that have made it so far.