Flag it by Finn Lloyd

FLAG IT

FINN LLOYD traces the history of the New Zealand flag. ‘This is an emblem the whole of New Zealand can be proud of, so all eyes up.’

Many cold, rainy mornings may have passed since you bothered to look at New Zealand’s national symbol. Many afternoons may have passed since you looked up. The symbol of our nation has been calling to you from above. This symbol of new Zealand’s constitutional monarchy has been above Government House, on embassies in faraway places, and even at the battle of Gallipoli. It was chosen over a hundred years ago, in 1902, and has been in use in some capacity ever since. The origins of this flag are older than 1902. The need for a flag arose in 1830, when the kiwi ship, Sir George Murray, was detained in the port of Sydney for sailing without a flag, this being illegal at this time of British rule. The ship was carrying two high-ranking Māori chiefs at the time. After several years of incidents like these, the united Maori tribes (United Tribes) met to decide on a new flag. New Zealand was a part of the colony of New South Wales at the time and had to either chose it’s own flag or use the flag of NSW. Three flags were proposed, all designed by missionary Henry Williams who, six years later, would be instrumental in the translation of the Treaty of Waitangi and one needed to be chosen.

The three flags were: 1 – Not used. Lacked sufficient red, a colour Māori preferred to be used in flags.

2 – Not used

3 – Initial design used

Tribes Flag, and was flown as a New Zealand symbol alongside the Union Jack for many years. In 1869 Royal Navy First Lieutenant Albert Hastings Markham submitted a design for a new flag for the colony to Governor Sir George Bowen, after being asked to do so by the governor, who was in turn asked by the colonial office. Markham’s design was accepted for use on government ships on October 23, 1869. The Government, to end confusion between the two flags, passed the New Zealand Ensign Act 1901, which favoured Markham’s design over the United Tribes’ version. This was approved by King Edward VII in March 1902.

That’s how we got here. But what happens now? There are only two flags that fly above the New Zealand flag, and they are the Queen’s personal flag and the Governor-General’s standard. Her Majesty, the Queen’s flag:

The Governor-General’s flag:

The current design of New Zealand’s flag is the classic British blue ensign maritime flag, which can be seen in use in other commonwealth realms and BOTs (British Overseas Territories). The Union Jack is a symbol of New Zealand’s heritage as a British colony and also respecting the Māori people with the addition of the Mahutonga – the Southern Cross depicted by the stars. The flag cannot be damaged or disrespected in a public place and there are rules in place around its use and display. This is an emblem the whole of New Zealand can be proud of, so all eyes up.