When the initial four chosen options were released for the first stage of the New Zealand flag referendums, Gray stated that she was "uninspired" by the designs as they "didn't derive much meaning" for her.

[4] The flag features a New Zealand fern and a kiwi shooting a green laser beam from its eyes.

[6] After the referendum, the flag's popularity made a "comeback" as it became widely available as a consumer product, and is often seen at events such as sports or concerts across and outside of New Zealand.

[7] During the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the Laser Kiwi flag was used as a symbol by volunteer soldiers from New Zealand.

[8][9] Similar designs were submitted for the 2023 contest to redesign the flag of Minnesota, featuring a loon with laser eyes[10] as well as the 2025 contest to redesign the flag of Illinois, featuring a cardinal with laser eyes.