New Zealand Flag Institute

 A SHORT HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL FLAG

 

The genesis of New Zealand’s Flag pre-dates the establishment of the colony in 1840. During the first stages of British settlement, prior to the Treaty of Waitangi, there was no established government in New Zealand. Early Maori did not have a government as it is understood today, nor indeed was New Zealand a single country. The consuls of the European powers which were present in New Zealand flew the flags of their respective countries. Visiting ships similarly flew their national flags, or marine ensigns.

 

Influenced by the use of flag by European residents , some Maori tribes adopted standards or flags. There was however nothing to equate to a national flag, if only because there was no unified nation.

 

In 1830 New South Wales was already a British colony, and subject to British navigation and seamanship laws. Every visiting ship was required to carry a certificate identifying its place of construction, ownership, and the nationality of the ship. There was at the time no such requirement for ships trading within New Zealand waters. New Zealand-built ships couldn’t sail under a British flag, or be registered by the Admiralty, even if they traded outside New Zealand waters. Increasingly New Zealand based vessels were venturing into the South Pacific. A legal entanglement was inevitable. Without a flag to represent the nation, or indeed a nation to be represented, trading ships ran the risk of seizure.

 

The Hokianga-built trading vessel Sir George Murray visited Sydney in 1830, carrying a cargo of flax and timber. She had been built at Horeke, on the Hokianga Harbour, and was sailing without a flag or register. The vessel was accordingly seized by Customs officials, and detained at Neutral Bay. Two Maori chiefs, possibly the influential chiefs Patuone and Taonui, were on board. It is reported that the Maori population were 'exceedingly indignant' upon hearing the news of the seizure of the ship.