New Zealand Flag Institute

 WHAT YOU CAN DO TO ENCOURAGE THE

 USE OF OUR FLAG

 

Flags in Schools (1984)

 

In 1984 the 1941 Regulations for honouring the flag were still in force. However they were not being observed. The National Minister of Education Merv Wellington had a background in advertising. He tried to encourage the display of the flag. As minister of education he encouraged schools to comply with the 1941 regulations. Unfortunately he faced criticism from political foes and elements within the education establishment. The repercussions resulting in the 1941 regulations being repealed. Nevertheless flags and flagpoles continued to be supplied as basic equipment to every school.

 

 The “Teachers Legal and Service Handbook” required that the national flag be flown on seven special occasions. These including Empire Day (24 May), Dominion Day (fourth Monday in September), and Trafalgar Day 21 October).