A Beginner's Guide to the History and Meaning of New Zealand Flags

 New Zealand captured the world's attention with the release of Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, and even today, many people still link the country to those films. But there's so much more to it! This is a country filled with stunning landscapes, delicious Manuka honey, tasty lamb, fine wine, and friendly folks.

When it comes to history, New Zealand is relatively young. The first people to arrive were the Polynesian ancestors of the Māori, who made their way there between 1200 and 1300. Europeans showed up in 1642, and by 1830, New Zealand had become a British colony. So, did you know that there's more than one national flag of NZ?

New Zealand Flags History

source: files.com

The New Zealand flag has a fascinating backstory that goes all the way back to 1865 when the British Government required colonial ships to fly the Blue Ensign along with the colony's seal or badge. At that time, New Zealand didn’t have an official badge, so its ships used the Blue Ensign plain until the British stepped in. Although Mr G Eliott proposed using the four stars of the Southern Cross as a badge, the final call was to add 'New Zealand' to the Blue Ensign, which was later simplified to 'NZ' in red letters outlined in white. The flag we know today was officially adopted in 1902, but there were earlier versions before that.

In 1869, Governor Sir George Bowen asked to replace the 'NZ' on the Blue Ensign with the Southern Cross emblem. This emblem features four red five-pointed stars with white borders, chosen to match the colours of the Union Jack. As a result, this design became the official national flag of New Zealand.

Other Flags  

Maori  

Apart from the well-known national flag of NZ, the country has other national flags, one of the most notable being the Maori flag. It features black, white, and red stripes, with the white interrupted by a spiral pattern. The colours represent three realms: black symbolizes Te Korekore, the realm of potential; white stands for Te Ao Mārama, the realm of existence and light, embodying harmony and purity; and red signifies Te Whai Ao, the process of coming into being, representing Papatuanuku, the Earth mother and nurturer of all life, as well as the land and its dynamic forces.

The Fern

The silver fern has been a symbol of New Zealand's national identity since the 1880s and carries a lot of meaning for both Māori and Pākehā. For the Māori, the elegant shape of the fronds represents resilience, determination, and strong influence. On the other hand, for the Pākehā, the fern reflects their deep love and connection to their homeland.

NZ and Aussie Flag Similarities

When it comes to the Australian flag, there's a notable similarity with New Zealand's. Both flags feature the Southern Cross constellation, but the Australian flag has six white stars with more points, while New Zealand's flag shows four stars that represent the cardinal directions. Plus, the Australian flag has a larger sixth star right under the Union Jack, which symbolizes the unification of the colonies back on January 1, 1901.

As for the New Zealand flag, the stars of the Southern Cross highlight its location in the South Pacific Ocean. The Union Jack in the top left corner serves as a nod to New Zealand's history as a former British colony and dominion.

Why You Should Get These Flags

For Collectors  

If you’re into flag collecting or know someone who is, New Zealand flags are a must-have. You might want to grab a smaller flag that fits nicely on a plastic staff for your desk or shelf. But if you’re a serious collector, go for a larger one made from real fabric to get those true, vibrant colours.

To Show Your Support  

Want to cheer on your country during sports events? Having your national flag is key! There’s nothing like waving it in a sports arena, rallying behind the players and reminding them they’re representing their homeland.

Historic Celebrations  

To celebrate important days in New Zealand and show off some national pride, displaying or gifting the national flag is a fantastic idea. Whether you’ve just moved in and want to add a patriotic touch to your new place or you want to surprise your Kiwi friends living abroad, putting this flag on your porch, patio, or inside your home is a great way to do it.

Graduation Celebrations  

To make graduation parties more inclusive and recognise everyone, consider putting up the New Zealand flag alongside your own if there’s a Kiwi student at your school or college. This thoughtful addition will make the event feel extra special and ensure everyone feels appreciated.

For Your Adventures  

If you’re looking for an adrenaline rush, mountain climbing is an epic adventure. But before you tackle those towering peaks, make sure you have two essentials: the right gear and a flag. Don’t forget to pack the national flag in your backpack and show it off at the summit!