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The Governor-General’s flag

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Crest of the Governor-General, a shield with a crown on top, against a blue background

The Governor-General’s flag is flown on all occasions when the Governor-General is present and takes precedence over the New Zealand flag.

It is flown continuously over Government House when the Governor-General is in residence and on vehicles used by the Governor-General for official occasions.

Read more about the Governor-General’s flag (Governor-General’s website)

The New Zealand Red Ensign

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The New Zealand flag with red instead of blue background, white stars on the bottom right and the union jack top left.

The New Zealand Red Ensign has sometimes been flown incorrectly, both in New Zealand and overseas, in the belief that it is New Zealand’s national flag.

New Zealand government-owned ships must fly the New Zealand flag. Non-government New Zealand ships may fly the New Zealand flag, the New Zealand Red Ensign or any flag authorised by either the Sovereign or the Governor-General.

As well as being flown on ships, the New Zealand Red Ensign may be flown on land in places or on occasions of Māori significance. The Flags, Emblems, and Names Protection Act 1981 allows this traditional practice to continue.

The New Zealand Red Ensign is based on the Red Ensign usually flown by merchant ships registered in the United Kingdom. The Union Jack appears in the first quarter and the Southern Cross, represented by four five-pointed white stars, is featured in the fly.

Fly definition: The fly of a flag is the outer part of the flag furthest away from the flagpole or halyard.

Ensign definition: An ensign is a flag authorised for use by the Navy, Air Force, merchant ships and pleasure craft. It is also the term used for a flag with the Union Flag in the first quarter.

The New Zealand White Ensign

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Union Jack in top right and Southern cross on right against white background

The New Zealand White Ensign flag has been used by New Zealand naval ships since 1968, when it replaced the British White Ensign.

The ensign is flown by ships of the Royal New Zealand Navy and by the Navy’s commissioned shore establishments, usually only during daylight hours.   

In the event of war, it would be flown continuously.

Design

This flag has the Union Jack in the first quarter, on a white background. The Southern Cross, represented by four five-pointed red stars, appears in the fly.

The Royal New Zealand Air Force Ensign

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Flag with Union Jack in left top corner and roundrel with 'NZ' in middle on right

The Royal New Zealand Air Force Ensign is hoisted daily at air force premises. It is also flown on Royal New Zealand Air Force planes carrying foreign and Commonwealth heads of state and heads of government,   the prime minister, Cabinet ministers, chiefs of staff, ambassadors and other distinguished people.

Design

The ensign has a light blue ground with the Union Jack in the first quarter and the Royal New Zealand Air Force roundel on the fly.

The New Zealand Civil Air Ensign

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A flag divided by a dark blue cross with a Union Jack in top left and Four red stars of southern cross in bottom right

The New Zealand Civil Air Ensign may be flown on any New Zealand aircraft, licenced aerodrome, or place authorised as an aerodrome. Airlines owning New Zealand aircraft may fly the ensign upon or close to their main office or place of business.

The Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand may also fly the New Zealand Civil Air Ensign on its buildings and aircraft. To fly the ensign you must get permission in writing from the Director of Civil Aviation at the address below.

Design

The New Zealand Civil Air Ensign features a dark-blue Latin, cross-edged with white, on a light-blue background. A Union Jack appears in the first quarter and four five-pointed red stars in the lower half of the fly.

Send any inquiries about the New Zealand Civil Air Ensign to:

The Director of Civil Aviation
Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand
PO Box 3555
Wellington 6140.

The Union Flag (Union Jack)

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Red, Blue and White crosses intersecting straight and at an angle

The Union Flag, more commonly known as the Union Jack, is the British national flag. It appears in the first quarter of the New Zealand flag and the other ensigns because of the historical ties with the United Kingdom.

The Union Jack is of equal rank when flown with other national flags. It is only appropriate to fly the Union Jack where a direct link exists with the United Kingdom or to recognise a distinguished British visitor.