The New Zealand Flag
New Zealand Flag Frequently Asked Questions
How did the present New Zealand Flag come about?
The design of New Zealand's national flag emerged gradually, over a number of years, before being officially approved in 1902.
The Flag's origins date from 1865, when the British Government issued instructions that all vessels from the colonies should fly the Blue Ensign, with the seal or badge of the colony on it. New Zealand did not have a recognised badge at the time, so its vessels just flew the Blue Ensign without any markings until reprimanded by the British Government. Mr G Eliott Eliott, the Secretary of the General Post Office, recommended that the four stars of the Southern Cross be used as New Zealand's badge but this was rejected. Instead the words "New Zealand" were added to the Blue Ensign, and later shortened to "NZ" in red letters with white borders.
In 1869, Governor Sir George Bowen directed that the Southern Cross replace "NZ" on the Blue Ensign. The Southern Cross was represented by four five-pointed red stars, with white borders to correspond with the colours of the Union Jack. Even though the flag was still officially a maritime flag, it was used on land and gradually became recognised as New Zealands national flag. In 1902, the flag officially became the National Flag of New Zealand. See Maritime origins of the New Zealand Flag for more information.
Why do New Zealand and Australia use a similar pattern of stars on their flags?
Both Australia and New Zealand chose the Southern Cross constellation for their flags because it is only seen in the Southern Hemisphere. The stars on the Australian Flag are white and have more points than the New Zealand Flag to depict their brightness in the sky. The fifth smaller star used on the Australian Flag can be seen when looking at the Southern Cross and there was some debate in New Zealand as to whether the fifth star should be included in the New Zealand Flag. It was decided only to use the four stars that mark the points of the compass. The sixth, and largest star on the Australian Flag, that sits below the Union Jack, is the Federation Star which represents the federation of the colonies of Australia on 1 January 1901. There is one point for each of the six original states, and one to represent all of Australia's internal and external territories. The colours of the stars on both flags were chosen to complement the colours of the Union Jack shown in the top left-hand corner of both flags.
What do the markings on the New Zealand Flag stand for?
The stars on the Flag represent the Southern Cross constellation which can only be seen in the Southern Hemisphere. This emphasises New Zealand's location in the South Pacific Ocean. The Union Jack in the top left-hand corner of the Flag recognises our historical foundations in that New Zealand was once a British colony and dominion.
Is the present New Zealand Flag the only flag New Zealand has had? Were there other flags before this one?
See web page " History of New Zealand Flag " on this website
What laws govern the New Zealand Flag and what protocols should I follow when flying the Flag?
See web page " New Zealand Flag Protocols " on this website.
When should the New Zealand Flag be flown at half-mast?
There are specific times when the New Zealand Flag is flown at half-mast such as the death of the Sovereign. These dates can be found on the Flying the Flag page. There are also times when the Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage can direct that the Flag be flown at half-mast on Government buildings to mark the death of an important figure such as Sir Peter Blake. It is optional for schools, local government, organisations and individuals to fly the Flag at half-mast on such occasions.
On occasions when the New Zealand Flag is flown at half-mast, other flags should not be flown above it. The Flag should be raised again to the peak before being lowered for the day.
Can I use the New Zealand Flag on my website or in advertising?
Any person or organisation may use the New Zealand Flag in advertising. A faithful representation should always be achieved with the Flag being reproduced in its true form and colours. Letter or designs should not be added to the Flag, unless they appear in a different dimension and are clearly separate to the Flag's design. Persons or organisations wishing to use the New Zealand Flag in advertisements or for commercial purposes are welcome to discuss their ideas with the Ministry for Culture and Heritage, info@mch.govt.nz .
Where can I get a New Zealand Flag?
There is no official supplier of the New Zealand Flag. To find a flag supplier in your area, look in the Yellow Pages of your local telephone directory or www.yellowpages.co.nz , under "Flags and Bunting". You can also hire flags from the Visits and Ceremonial Office of the Department of Internal Affairs, email egs@dia.govt.nz , ph (04) 470 2901.
How should I dispose of a dilapidated Flag?
The New Zealand Flag should never be flown in a dilapidated condition.
The correct procedure for disposing of a dilapidated flag is by burning it discreetly in an incinerator or something similar, not by taking it to a rubbish dump. The important thing to remember is that the flag must not be destroyed in public view.
Some flag making companies have facilities for disposing of flags that you may wish to use.