Monday 7 September 2015

Flag Monday/NZ Flag



Well it's Monday and that means flag Monday so today I am going to tell you a little about New Zealand's flag why, well because I was just in New Zealand and thought why not.

Their flag is a defaced blue ensign with the Union Jack (flag) in the corner with four red stars with white borders to the right. The pattern of the stars is to represent the asterism within the constellation of the crux, the Southern Cross, whatever all that means.

Now New Zealand’s first flag was the flag of the United Tribes of New Zealand and this was adopted way back in 1834, six years before New Zealand became a British colony. It was chosen by an assembly of Maori chiefs at a place called Waitangi in 1834, the flag had the St George Cross with another cross in the corner containing four stars on a blue field.

However, after New Zealand became a British colony in 1840 the British ensigns came into use, the current flag was designed and adopted for use on Colonial ships in 1869 following an Imperial statute and became New Zealand's national flag in 1902.

There has, however, been a debate about changing the flag for several decades with a two-stage binding referendum on changing the flag planned to take place in 2016. There are four designs up for the vote they are these four.


I know many people often confuse the Australian flag and the New Zealand flag which may have something to do with New Zealanders wanting to change their flag, for those who have forgotten what the good ole Aussie flag looks like this is it.







11 comments:

  1. Honestly Jo-Anne I so much wish to see our present flag changed.
    If Canada can do it, NZ are looking at it, why not us????
    Nearly all but a couple of the British Commonwealth countries have removed the Union Jack - even the old colonies in the Caribbean Islands have new proud flags - minus the Union Jack.
    At the Montreal Olympics 1976 - the Canadians made a terrible flag mistake - Malcolm Fraser arrive to streets lined with the NZ flag.
    Malcolm and Tamie were not amused.
    I like the bottom right hand NZ design.
    Our flag should contain the Southern Cross and maybe where the Union Jack is the Aboriginal flag emblem - with the kangaroo, emu and wattle somehow embedded. That should suit all????
    Cheers
    Colin

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    Replies
    1. Yes I know many people who would like to see our flag changed and the Union Jack removed, it can happen if enough people want it to happen like NZ we could have a referendum on the topic

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  2. Dearest Jo-Anne,
    Sorry for having missed some posts; my HP PC died... We also went to New York City for 4 nights so only now I'm about fully installed on my new Mac and up and running.
    Isn't it the truth that there are many fights about the 'right' flag; the political correct thing...
    Hugs,
    Mariette

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    Replies
    1. That is ok I was in a different country for 9 days so I get being busy and not feeling like blogging, yeah when the mention of changing ones flag is brought up it will spire a number of heated discussions on the topic

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  3. I hope they do get a new flag and I wish we would too. I like the black and white fern

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    Replies
    1. Yes - I like that one also, Diane.
      No mistaking NZ with that flag.
      Colin

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  4. I didn't know NZ had had a previous flag....very informative post Jo-Anne

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  5. I vote for bottom right. But I don't count.

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    Replies
    1. I prefer the bottom left one with the back and white fern but my vote doesn't count either

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  6. The two on the right are my favorites.Now I can't wait to see what they decide.

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