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Therefore the Ships Registration Act Amendment Act 1999 inserting
a new section 58A permitting New Zealand vessels to fly a flag to
be authorised by the
Sovereign or the Governor General in substitution for the New
Zealand Flag or Marine Ensign. The design chosen was based on a flag worn by
vessels of the Auckland Sailing Club (the
precursor of the
Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron) in the late nineteenth
century. The new flag is known as the New Zealand Blue Ensign.
Its use by Royal New
Zealand Yacht Squadron and Royal Akarana Yacht Club is authorised by Royal Licence
from the Queen.
Both Clubs have promulgated rules regulating the use of the New Zealand
Blue Ensign by their members . The rules are consistent with the
traditional rules for the use of the British Blue Ensign. Royal Port
Nicholson Yacht Club has elected not to request a Royal Licence for the use
of the New Zealand Blue Ensign.
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