|
The Union Jack became the official flag
of New Zealand in 1840, for use on
shore. Naval
or maritime flags were used at
sea. After the passage of the Colonial
Naval Defence Act
in 1865 the New Zealand Ensign
superseded British maritime flags at sea, and gradually came to be used on
land.
The Union Jack remained New Zealand's official flag until the New
Zealand Ensign Act was passed in
1902. It continued to be used regularly into the 1950s, instead of, or in
tandem with the New Zealand Flag. Today
the Union Jack is most commonly seen when a member of the Royal Family, or a British guest, is visiting.
The first Union flag or Union Jack was
created by James I in 1606 to represent the
personal union of the Crowns of England and Scotland. It was based on the existing flags of the patron
saints of the two countries, St George and St Andrew. In 1801 St Patrick's cross was incorporated into the design to mark the incorporation of Ireland
into the Kingdom. The design has not changed since. It is
believed that the
frequent use of the flag on
the jackstaff of vessels is the origin of the colloquial name of Union Jack.
In 1908, the British Parliament officially approved the name 'Union Jack' for
the flag, in addition to the more
correct Union Flag.
|