New Zealand Flag Institute

 WHAT YOU CAN DO TO ENCOURAGE THE

 USE OF OUR FLAG

 

Honouring the Flag during World War Two (1941)

 

In 1941 the Government promulgated regulations to promote the honouring of the flag in schools. The preamble to the Regulations read, in part: “…it is desirable that children should perform together a ceremony in which there shall be clearly expressed the gratitude of New Zealander’s for the privilege they enjoy and the principles on which they believe their way of living is based”. The procedures to be followed were set out in some detail. “Pupils shall be formed up in an orderly manner facing the flag, which shall be furled at the masthead. Bags or books shall not be carried. Boys shall remove their caps”. The actual observance of the Regulations declined post-war. They were repealed in 1984 (see below)