New Zealand Flag Institute

 EIGHT REASONS TO FLY THE NEW ZEALAND FLAG

 

 

1.             Flags are meant to be flown

 

A flag is meant to be seen flying. However New Zealander’s are not naturally demonstrative. We do not habitually decorate our homes and workplaces. Unfortunately therefore the flag is comparatively infrequently flown. This conservatism does not however mean that we are lacking in patriotism; we are quietly proud of our country, and the flag is flown or displayed surprisingly often by Kiwi’s traveling abroad. We need to embrace the culture of flying our flag in New Zealand.

 

2.     The flag is recognised as ours

 

The Southern Cross is one of the three major symbols of New Zealand. It was the first. The kiwi and silver fern did not become national symbols until close to the end of the nineteenth century. The kiwi is not a suitable symbol for a flag, and the silver fern is associated with sporting achievement. Only the Southern Cross has represented New Zealand since the 1860’s. Our flag with its elegant design of blue field, colourful canton (the Union Jack), and distinctive stars is widely recognised internationally.

 

3.     Branding New Zealand

 

The New Zealand flag is often used in business advertising. It is frequently seen in commercial advertising, both in this country and overseas. A small flag is to be found on the packaging of many exports. The flag is associated with our “clean, green image”. It has been seen in connection with sporting events, cultural exchanges, and diplomatic occasions for generations. It is New Zealand.