History of the New Zealand Flag
A link to the Mother Country: the Union Jack in New Zealand 1840–1902
The Union Jack became the official flag of New Zealand in 1840, and was used for all appropriate occasions on shore. At sea, New Zealand was represented by British naval or maritime flags until the Colonial Naval Defence Act became law in 1865. The Union Jack remained New Zealand's flag until the passing of the New Zealand Ensign Act instituted the current flag in 1902.
It continued to be used regularly in New Zealand well into the 1950s, instead of, or in tandem with the New Zealand Flag. Today, the Union Jack is most commonly seen in New Zealand when a member of the Royal Family, or other distinguished British guest, is visiting. It can be difficult to fly correctly due to its non-symmetrical design.
The first Union flag or Union Jack was created by James I in 1606 to represent his new realm of England and Scotland, and was, fittingly, based on the flags of the patron saints of the two countries, St George and St Andrew. The addition of Ireland to the Kingdom of Great Britain in 1801 saw St Patrick's cross incorporated into the design, forming the Union flag which is still used today. Following the creation of the modern Union flag, it was frequently used by the Navy and the name 'Union Jack' is believed to derive from the Navy's use of the flag on the jackstaff of its vessels. In 1908, the British Parliament officially approved the name 'Union Jack' for the flag.