The Prime Minister of New Zealand, John Key, has suggested changing the design of the country’s national flag.
There has been much criticism that the New Zealand flag is too similar to Australia’s flag, and that many people are unable to distinguish their own flag.
| Current New Zealand Flag
|
Current Australian Flag
|
The New Zealand Flag is New Zealand’s national symbol. Its royal blue background represents the blue sea and sky surrounding us, and the stars of the Southern Cross signify our place in the South Pacific Ocean. The Union Flag recognises our historical foundations and that New Zealand was once a British colony and dominion.
The First Flag of New Zealand
The first official New Zealand flag was the flag of the United Tribes, selected by 25 New Zealand Tribal chiefs on 20 March 1834. This flag was used between 1834 and 1840
Between 1840 and 1902, the Union Jack was recognised as the official Flag of New Zealand. The current New Zealand flag came into effect in 1902.
John Key has previously discussed replacing the flag with a silver fern. This was in 2010.
Sources:
www.mch.govt.nz/nz-identity-heritage/flags
119.1 - 873,742