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New Zealand Government ships fly the New Zealand
Flag. Other New Zealand ships may fly the New Zealand Flag, the New Zealand
Red Ensign, or any flag authorised by either the Sovereign or the
Governor-General.
The New Zealand Red Ensign is based on the Red
Ensign usually flown by merchant ships registered in the United Kingdom. The
Union Jack appears in the first quarter, and the Southern Cross, represented
by four five-pointed white stars, is featured in the fly.
The New Zealand Red Ensign has sometimes been flown
incorrectly, both in New Zealand and overseas, in the belief that it is this country’s national flag. However, the New Zealand Red Ensign may be flown on land in places or
on occasions of Maori significance. The Flags, Emblems, and Names Protection
Act 1981 allows for the continuation of this traditional practice.
The Red Ensign was authorised by
Admiralty Warrant 7th February 1899, but not announced in the Government
Gazette until 12th June 1902, due to a disagreement about the wording of the
New Zealand Ensign Act.
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