history of the new zealand flag

 

In the first quarter, a Red St. George's Cross on a Blue ground, pierced with four white stars. The Maori hunted dolphins, whales, and seals and they ate fish and shellfish. The history of the New Zealand flag is long and complex, dating back into the 1800s, and most of the New Zealand flags are related to the flags used aboard ships owned by New Zealand. [29] In 1866 the British Admiralty advised colonies that if they possessed vessels governed by the Act, they must fly the Royal Navy Blue Ensign but that they must also include on the flag the seal or badge of the colony. [14] In its advisory role, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage has issued guidelines to assist persons in their use of the flag. It was selected on 20 March 1834 by 25 chiefs from the far north who, with their followers, had gathered at Waitangi in the Bay of Islands. Zu dieser Zeit wurde in Australien, Neuseelands wichtigstem Handelspartner, britisches Schiffsrechtangewandt. Between 1834 and 1840, the Flag of the United Tribes of New Zealand was recognised as the first 'national' flag of these islands. Watch later. The Union Jack in the first quarter recognises New Zealand’s historical origins as a colony of the British Empire. It is based on the British blue ensign with the Union Flag (also known as the Union Jack) in the upper left corner, and four red stars with white borders to the right. In this referendum, the country voted to keep the existing flag by 57% to 43%. Auckland "Supercity" 3. [10] The Australian and New Zealand flags are often mistaken for each other,[44] and this confusion has been cited as a reason for adopting a different design. SUMMARY. However, the New Zealand flag hasn’t always been the official flag. It was adopted in 1902 amidst the pomp and patriotism of the South African War. The design of New Zealand's national flag emerged over several years before being officially approved in 1902. Three flags were proposed, all designed by the missionary Henry Williams, who was to play a major role in the translation of the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840. Yet, the first ever national flag occurred years prior, between 1834 and 1840. [27], This led to the British parliament passing the Colonial Naval Defence Act 1865,[28] which allowed the colonial governments to own ships, including for military purposes, but they would have to be under the Royal Navy's command. The Union Jack symbolizes the country's history as a colony of the United Kingdom, and the stars represent the Southern Cross. The First Flag . Auckland City football team 1. New Zealand's first flag, the flag of the United Tribes of New Zealand, was adopted in 1834, six years before New Zealand's separation from New South Wales and creation as a separate colony following the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840. The blue and black design, with a silver fern and red stars, was the winning flag. [59] The Flags, Emblems, and Names Protection Act 1981 does allow for the Red Ensign to be used on land on occasions of Māori significance,[2] continuing the long preference of Māori for the use of red in flags. These countries include New Zealand and Australia, as well as Fiji, the Cook Islands and other countries that have since discarded it, including Hong Kong and Jamaica. From a question outside a plastics factory to a $26 million referendum, this is the story of the New Zealand flag debate. [32], In 1869 the then First Lieutenant of the Royal Navy vessel Blanche, Albert Hastings Markham, submitted a design to Sir George Bowen, the Governor of New Zealand, for a national ensign for New Zealand. SUPPLIED 5th May 2015 https://www.govt.nz/browse/engaging-with-government/the-nz-flag-your-chance-to-decide/nz-flag-histor Image 9 of 9: The evolution of the New Zealand Flag. [13] Flag flying may be encouraged on certain commemorative days, at the discretion of the Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage. All these flags have a particular relevance to the history of New Zealand. [61], The Red Ensign has sometimes been flown incorrectly on land in the belief that it is the national flag. [41] In November 1979 Minister of Internal Affairs Allan Highet suggested that the design of the flag should be changed, and sought an artist to design a new flag with a silver fern on the fly, but the proposal attracted little support. The star nearest the fly edge of the ensign shall measure five-sixtieths, the star at the top of the cross and that nearest to the Union Jack shall each measure six-sixtieths, and the star at the bottom of the cross shall measure seven-sixtieths of the hoist of the ensign across their respective red points, and the width of the white borders to the several stars shall in all cases be equal to one one-hundred-and-twentieth of the hoist of the ensign. There are two official flags which, when flown in the appropriate circumstance, take precedence over the national flag of New Zealand: In addition, the New Zealand Police, New Zealand Fire Service, New Zealand Customs Service, and the services of the New Zealand Defence Force have their own flags. To use, display, destroy, or damage the Flag in or within view of a public place with the intention of dishonouring it is an offence. North Harbour 4.3. [58], A red version of the flag, officially called the Red Ensign and nicknamed the "red duster",[59] was adopted in 1903 to be flown on non-government ships. The Governor’s proclamation of the royal assent was published in the New Zealand Gazette on 12 June 1902. Pay particular attention to which is which at any Bledisloe Cup rugby matches. It serves as a reminder of the time when New Zealand … It should be familiar to most people, as most British colonies — back in the gloriously immoral heyday of the British Empire’s expansion — were given this as the base to their flags. The United Tribes of New Zealand disallowed two of three flags designed and future by Henry Williams. The Flag of New Zealand (Māori: Te haki o Aotearoa[1]), also known as the New Zealand Ensign,[2] is based on the British maritime Blue Ensign – a blue field with the Union Jack in the canton or upper hoist corner – augmented or defaced with four red stars centred within four white stars, representing the Southern Cross constellation.[3]. [citation needed], In 1998 Prime Minister Jenny Shipley backed Cultural Affairs Minister Marie Hasler's call for the flag to be changed. The flag … Section 11(1) outlines two offences: altering the flag without lawful authority, and using, displaying, damaging or destroying the flag in or within view of a public place with the intention of dishonouring it. [19][20] This flag became known as the flag of the United Tribes of New Zealand[21] and was officially gazetted in New South Wales in August 1835, with a general description not mentioning fimbriation or the number of points on the stars. The second referendum would see the preferred design voted on against the current flag in March 2016. It was adopted in 1902 amidst the South African Boer War. The New Zealand Flag represents the people of New Zealand and should be treated with respect. [55] Official documents depicting the current flag would have been replaced only through ordinary means, e.g. A few local authorities have commissioned their own flags, such as Otago. [note 2], The United Tribes' flag is still flown on the flag pole at Waitangi, and can be seen on Waitangi Day.[23]. While the referendum saw no change to the current flag, it did stir a national controversy on nationhood and patriotism. Info. [41] Debate about changing the flag has often arisen in connection with the issue of republicanism in New Zealand. The debate for NZ's head of state rages on", "Bill English: Flag vote shows republic a ways off", "Eight Reasons To Change The New Zealand Flag", "History of Republicanism in New Zealand – 1994", "Bill advocates consultative debate on new flag", "New Zealand to hold referendum on new, 'post-colonial' flag", "New Zealand to hold referendum on national flag", "First steps taken towards flag referendum", "New Zealand Flag Referendums Bill – amendments", "New Zealand chooses new flag as preliminary winner", "Would you replace the New Zealand flag with this? After the formation of the colony in 1840, British ensigns began to be used. It has been acknowledged as a national flag for the Māori.[62]. Proposed flag not adopted by Māori; it included the Union Jack and lacked sufficient red. Auckland traditional province 3. Our flag both instils pride, and symbolises the pride in our country felt by our people. [30] New Zealand did not have a colonial badge, or indeed a coat of arms of its own at this stage, and so in 1867 the letters "NZ" were simply added to the blue ensign,[31] following a decree by Governor George Grey on 15 January 1867. [51][52] Following National's re-election the details of the two referendums were announced. New Zealand has a history of support for redesigning its flag, which came to a head in 2016 with an official contest and referendum. Description of the flag. [10], The Southern Cross constellation is one of the striking features of the Southern Hemisphere sky, and has been used to represent New Zealand, among other Southern Hemisphere colonies, since the early days of European settlement. Maori society was tribal. The flags flown by the Museum are: The flag of New Zealand. The New Zealand flag may be flown at half-mast in the event of the death of a nationally important figure or person closely connected with the Museum. The ship had been sailing without a flag, a violation of British navigation laws. In Māori tradition, the Southern Cross constellation was used by ancient canoe’s to navigate from the spiritual homeland Hawaiki to their new home in Aōtearoa, New Zealand. New Zealand Flag History New Zealand has other official flags, including the red and white maritime insignia and the flags that symbolize the Queen and the Governor General. [47] Christian Democrat MP Graeme Lee introduced a Flags, Anthems, Emblems, and Names Protection Amendment Bill. During the 19th century, it was a British law that trading ships fly a flag. [11] Additionally, in Māori mythology the Southern Cross is identified as Māhutonga,[12] an aperture in Te Ikaroa (the Milky Way) through which storm winds escaped. The flag was brought back to New Zealand by Private John Taylor, Canterbury Battalion. [50], On 11 March 2014, Prime Minister John Key announced in a speech his intention to hold a referendum, during the next parliamentary term, on adopting a new flag. Due to its similarities with their trans-Tasman counterparts, the New Zealand flag is often mistaken for the Australian flag. The History of the New Zealand Flag - Flag Consideration Project - YouTube. The Maori arrived in New Zealand in the 10th century AD. This relates to Blue Ensign, one of several British ensigns used by certain territories associated with the UK. The new lieutenant governor, William Hobson, ordered the United Tribes flag hauled down in the Far North and stopped the New Zealand Company flying a version of it at Port Nicholson (Wellington). The Maori also ate fern roots. Facts about the flag: The inner edge of the flag, in the top corner, features a miniature version of the flag of the United Kingdom. The national Māori flag, official since 1990, also uses these colours with attached symbolism. Even though New Zealand was not a colony during this time, a flag needed to be chosen because ships could be seized until a flag was flown. The current flag was designed and adopted for use on the colony's ships in 1869, was quickly adopted as New Zealand's national flag, and given statutory recognition in 1902. The New Zealand flag hasn't always been our official flag. [56][57] This flag design did not win the second referendum; according to preliminary results announced on 24 March 2016, the existing 1902 flag was chosen to remain the New Zealand flag. [60] It was flown on New Zealand merchant ships during both world wars. However, the New Zealand flag hasn’t always been the official flag. [39], With the Union Jack in its upper left-hand quarter, the flag still proclaims New Zealand's origins as a British colony. … The stars of the Southern Cross emphasise this country’s location in the South Pacific Ocean. Chosen by an assembly of Māori chiefs at Waitangi in 1834, the flag was of a St George's Cross with another cross in the canton containing four stars on a blue field. New Zealand 2. [60], The flag commonly known as the tino rangatiratanga (Māori sovereignty) flag was designed in 1989. Initial design of the United Tribes flag. The first time the current flag was officially flown in battle was from HMS Achilles during the Battle of the River Plate in 1939; however, the New Zealand national Blue Ensign flag was flown at Quinn's Post during the Gallipoli Campaign in 1915. Counties-Manukau 5. The distance of the centre of the star nearest the outer edge of the fly from the point of intersection shall be equal to twelve-sixtieths of the hoist of the ensign, and the distance of the centre of the star nearest the Union Jack from the point of intersection shall be equal to fourteen-sixtieths of the hoist of the ensign. The United Tribes later made the Declaration of Independence of New Zealand at Waitangi in 1835. [17] When the flag is flown at half-mast, it should be lowered to a position recognisably at half-mast to avoid the appearance of a flag which has accidentally fallen away from the top of the flagpole; the flag should be at least its own height from the top of the flagpole. Rugby provinces: 4.1. A description of the flag appeared on 27 June 1902, detailing the size and position of the stars. It was adopted in 1902 amidst the South African Boer War. Among the passengers on the ship were two high-ranking Māori chiefs, believed to be Patuone and Taonui. 56.7% were in favour of retaining the flag, with a voter turnout of 67.3%. New Zealander's have much to be proud of. Share. Based on the British Blue Ensign, the New Zealand flag consists of the Union Flag in the upper hoist position, and the Southern Cross represented by four five-pointed stars in the fly. The chiefs rejected two other proposals which included the Union Jack, in favour of a modified St George's Cross or the White Ensign, which was the flag used by Henry Williams on the Church Missionary Society ships. Sport regions of New Zealand … Rugby fan flag 6. [15], The flag is usually only used as a vehicle flag by certain high-ranking officeholders, including: the Prime Minister and other ministers; ambassadors and high commissioners (when overseas); and the Chief of Defence Force. ", "Flag referendum: New Zealand votes to keep current flag", "Flags of New Zealand: the official ones, and the distant relatives", National, regional and city flags incorporating the Union Jack, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, Former British Empire and the overseas territories, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Flag_of_New_Zealand&oldid=1011806043, Short description is different from Wikidata, Articles with unsourced statements from June 2018, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, Constituent parts of the flag of New Zealand, This page was last edited on 12 March 2021, at 23:01. an existing driving licence would have remained valid until its renewal date. The Bill passed its first reading but was defeated at its second reading, 26 votes to 37. The ship's detention was reported as arousing indignation among the Māori population. The Maori brought dogs and rats. [60], The terms "Union Jack" and "Union Flag" are both historically correct for describing the de facto national flag of the United Kingdom. [26], During the Invasion of the Waikato (July 1863 – April 1864) period of the New Zealand Wars the Imperial British forces realised they needed access to colonial ships to fight Māori. These stars represent the constellation of Crux, the Southern Cross, as it seen from New Zealand. The need for a New Zealand flag was first triggered when, in 1830, the New Zealand ship the Sir George Murray was detained in Sydney harbour for sailing without a flag – a violation of British Maritime law. A number of missionaries, settlers and the commanders of 10 British and 3 … Māori viewed this action as an affront to their identity and in the decades to come adopted the United Tribes flag as a symbol of independence. [54], Had the flag changed, the current flag (described as the "1902 flag") of New Zealand would have been "recognised as a flag of historical significance", and its continued use would have been permitted. However, it should never be flown in a dilapidated condition. [3], The notice that appeared in the New Zealand Gazette on 27 June 1902 gave a technical description of the stars and their positions on the New Zealand Ensign:[6]. The New Zealand flag is the symbol of the realm, its government and the people of New Zealand. New Zealand voted nearly 57 per cent in favour of the existing flag. They called the new land Aotearoa, which means Land of the Long White Cloud. The need for a flag of New Zealand first became clear in 1830 when the trading ship Sir George Murray, built in the Hokianga, was seized by Customs officials in the port of Sydney. [16], The flag is flown at half-mast in New Zealand—always at the discretion of the Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage—to indicate a period of mourning. After the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi, the Union Jack was used, although the former United Tribes flag was still used by a number of ships from New Zealand and in many cases on land. [38] The first time the flag of New Zealand was flown in a naval battle and the first time officially in any battle, was from HMS Achilles during the Battle of the River Plate in 1939. Parliament legally established a New Zealand national flag on June 12, 1902. No permission is needed to fly the flag, and it may be flown on every day of the year—government and public buildings with flagpoles are especially encouraged to fly the flag during working hours. Its royal blue background is derived from the ensign of the Blue Squadron of the Royal Navy. [33] His proposal, incorporating the Southern Cross, was approved on 23 October 1869. The centres of the stars forming the short limb of the cross shall be on a line intersecting the vertical limb at an angle of 82 therewith, and rising from near the lower fly corner of the Union Jack towards the upper fly corner of the ensign, its point of intersection with the vertical line being distant from the centre of the uppermost star of the cross twelve-sixtieths of the hoist of the ensign. An armed ship, Victoria, owned by the Colony of Victoria transported reinforcements to New Zealand for the campaign and took part in bombardments of Māori. For six decades before that the Union Jack flapped from New Zealand’s flagpoles, after the British began industrializing the New Zealand colony. Just one less thing for New Zealand’s Olympians to worry about…, We and our partners use cookies to better understand your needs, improve performance and provide you with personalised content and advertisements. For several decades there has been debate about changing the flag. ", United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, Declaration of Independence of New Zealand, Flag of the Governor-General of New Zealand, Historical flags of the British Empire and the overseas territories, List of countries and territories with the Union Jack displayed on their flag, "Tuakiri o Aotearoa me te kāwanatanga - Te tuakiri o Aotearoa", "Flags, Emblems, and Names Protection Act 1981 No 47 (as at 03 June 2017), Public Act – New Zealand Legislation", "The tangled tale of New Zealand's flag debate", "Protection of public symbols in New Zealand and the United States of America: Flag burning versus freedom of expression", "Half-masting the New Zealand Flag occasion", "Flags of New Zealand: United Tribes flag", "Government Notice, Colonial Secretary's Office. ", The Flags, Emblems, and Names Protection Act 1981 governs the usage of the national flag and all other official flags. But even that wasn't our first flag. We take a look at the history of New Zealand’s official flags and the controversy that was the 2016 flag referendum. The New Zealand flag symbolizes the realm, the government and the people. Red ochre (kokowai) has a spiritual significance in Māori culture, associated with life and vitality. New Zealand's first official flag was this one, the flag of the United Tribes. [35][36], One of the first recorded accounts of the New Zealand Blue Ensign flag being flown in battle was at Quinn's Post, Gallipoli, in 1915. The coat of arms of New Zealand (Māori: Te Tohu Pakanga o Aotearoa) is the heraldic symbol representing the South Pacific island country of New Zealand.Its design reflects New Zealand's history as a bicultural nation, with a European female figure on one side and a Māori rangatira (chief) on the other. The Bill was reserved for the King’s assent, and King Edward V approved the new Act on 24 March 1902. In the upper left corner it shows the British flag "Union Jack" (otherwise known as "union jack"), which represents the historical identity of New Zealand … Its blue background represents the sky and the sea. Die Idee, Neuseeland durch eine Flagge zu repräsentieren, kam zum ersten Mal 1830 auf. [3] It has a royal blue background with a Union Jack in the canton, and four five-pointed red stars centred within four five-pointed white stars on the fly (outer or right-hand side). James Busby, a British local, summoned a meeting of Maori chiefs to vote for New Zealand’s initial flag at Waitangi. The New Zealand Company settlement at Wellington, for example, continued to use the United Tribes flag until Governor William Hobson sent a small armed force to Wellington in May 1840 (following his declaration of British sovereignty). Its origins date from 1865 when the British Government instructed that vessels from the colonies should fly the Blue Ensign with the seal or badge of the colony on it. This was a total fiasco – The judges had no relevant qualification or experience, the process was mishandled and the finalist designs were hated, among (many) other problems.In the end, voters opted not to change the flag. Whether the term "Union Jack" applies only when used as a, "His Excellency the Governor is pleased to direct it to be notified, for general information, that a Despatch has recently been received from the Right Honorable the Secretary of State for the Colonies, conveying His Majesty's approbation of an arrangement made by this Government for complying with the wishes of the Chiefs of New Zealand to adopt a National Flag in their collective capacity, and also, of the Registrar of Vessels, built in that country, granted by the Chiefs and certified by the British Resident, being considered as valid instruments, and respected as such in the intercourse which those Vessels may hold with the British Possessions. Copy link. A number of missionaries, settlers and the commanders of ten British and three American ships were also present. 43.3% were in favour of changing the flag to the Lockwood design. New Zealand was not a colony at the time and had no flag. The ship had been sailing without a flag, a violation of British navigation laws. Should you falter, forewarning – make this mistake at your own peril. [49], On 5 August 2010 Labour list MP Charles Chauvel introduced a member's bill for a consultative commission followed by a referendum on the New Zealand flag. Last modified: 2018-04-07 by ian macdonald Keywords: central auckland | auckland | rugby | Links: FOTW homepage |search | disclaimer and copyright | write us | mirrors 1. For six decades before that, the Union Jack fluttered from New Zealand's flagpoles. Auckland Banner of Arms 2. [45], Debate on keeping or changing the New Zealand flag started before May 1973, when a remit to change the flag was voted down by the Labour Party at their national conference. The Flag of the United Tribes of New Zealand. [42][43] The Southern Cross constellation is depicted on the flags of other former British colonies, such as the flag of Australia—although in Australia's case there are six all-white stars, while New Zealand's four stars have red centres. image by Sam Lockton and António Martins, 22 June 2005. While the public were provided with a multitude of options, 57% of the population re-affirmed that the current flag should stay. In conjunction with the national flag, New Zealand’s other official flags include the maritime and governor general’s flag. … History of New Zealand Flag. [4] In 2016, a two-stage binding referendum on a flag change took place with voting on the second final stage closing on 24 March. The flag was officially adopted for use on land and sea in 1901, with the passage by the House of Representatives on 5 November 1901of the New Zealand Ensign Bill. [46], In March 1994 Prime Minister Jim Bolger made statements supporting a move towards a republic. Among the passengers on the ship were two high-ranking Māori chiefs, believed to be Patuone and Taonui. New Zealand’s first flag, the flag of the New Zealand Allied Tribes, was adopted in 1834, six years before New Zealand seceded from New South Wales and established as a separate colony after the signing of the Treaty of Whitney in 1840. However, while other countries from around the world were merely focusing on selecting their athletes, the New Zealand team was fraught with an extra challenge. This flag base-layer, if you like, was linked … [13] Section 5(2) of the Act declares the flag to be "the symbol of the Realm, Government, and people of New Zealand". For six decades before that the Union Jack flapped from New Zealand’s flagpoles, after the British began industrializing the New Zealand colony. [11], The flag should be rectangular in shape and its length should be two times its width, translating into an aspect ratio of 1:2. New Zealand flag flying outside a beehive in Wellington. This occurred after a trading ship was seized because it was not flying a flag. It was not, however, flown officially. Yet, the first ever national flag occurred years prior, between 1834 and 1840. But Waitangi Day 2010 saw the first official recognition of the national Māori flag, which flew alongside the New Zealand flag on the Auckland Harbour Bridge, Parliament, and other government buildings. The British government was concerned about its colonies developing their own navies, not under the control of the Royal Navy's Admiralty. Sept. 9, 1835, New Zealand", "New Zealand flag from Quinn's Post | NZHistory, New Zealand history online", "The "Diggers' " flag, the New Zealand Ensign, flying at the masthead of Achills during the naval battle", "Past Attempts to Change New Zealand's Flag", "Monarchy or republic? [48] If passed, the Bill would have entrenched the Act that governs the flag and added New Zealand's anthems, requiring a majority of 65 percent of votes in Parliament before any future legislation could change the flag. "The centres of the stars forming the long limb of the cross shall be on a vertical line on the fly, midway between the Union Jack and the outer edge of the fly, and equidistant from its upper and lower edges; and the distance apart of the centres of the stars shall be equal to thirty-six sixtieths the hoist of the ensign. The Flag of the United Tribes of New Zealand was recognised as the first ‘national’ flag of New Zealand. New Zealand’s first flag was adopted in 1834. With all the pomp and press that currently surrounds the 2016 Rio Olympics, you will find no shortage of flags fluttering throughout Brazil’s national stadiums. It was not until the 20th century that New Zealand adopted its current flag. [3] According to the Ministry for Culture and Heritage, the government department responsible for the flag, the royal blue background is "reminiscent of the blue sea and sky surrounding us", and the stars "signify [New Zealand's] place in the South Pacific Ocean". New Zealand national honours have used red ochre, black and white/silver since 1975. [33], To end confusion between various designs of the flag, New Zealand's Liberal Government passed the New Zealand Ensign Act 1901, which was approved by King Edward VII on 24 March 1902. [15], Unlike some other countries there is no single official "Flag Day" in New Zealand, and no pledge of allegiance to the flag. The New Zealand Flag The official New Zealand flag was first used in 1869. There was also an abundance of seafood in New Zealand. Notable occasions on which the flag was half-masted include: the death of former prime minister David Lange, and the death and state funeral of mountaineer Sir Edmund Hillary. OUR ULTIMATE COVID BOOKING GUARANTEE. Learn surprising facts about the New Zealand flag, the meaning behind the colours and symbolism, and the history of when and why it was adopted. [18], The first flag of New Zealand was adopted 9 (or 20) March 1834 by a vote made by the United Tribes of New Zealand, a meeting of Māori chiefs convened at Waitangi by British resident James Busby. They also brought yams and kumara or sweet potatoes and gourds. [5], The flag of New Zealand uses two prominent symbols:[6], In its original usage as the flag of United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, the Union Jack combined three heraldic crosses which represent the countries of the United Kingdom (as constituted in 1801):[9], The Union Jack reflects New Zealand's origins as a British colony. Unless a flag was selected, ships could continue to be seized. [15], The need for a flag of New Zealand first became clear in 1830 when the trading ship Sir George Murray, built in the Hokianga, was seized by Customs officials in the port of Sydney. United Tribes of New Zealand Flag Adopted March 9, 1834 as the first flag which still flies today at the historical site of the signing of The Treaty of Waitangi.