Displaying the New Zealand flagExcept when flown with royal or vice-regal flags, the New Zealand flag should always be given the position of honour in New Zealand. This means it takes precedence over all other national flags and house flags. However, international practice forbids the display of the flag of one country above the flag of another country during times of peace.When the New Zealand flag is flown with the flags of other countries, each flag should be the same size and should fly from a separate flagpole of the same height.A house flag may fly beneath the New Zealand flag on the same flagpole.Government buildings are required to fly the New Zealand flag and follow flag protocols including half-masting directives. Local government, schools, private entities and private individuals can fly the New Zealand flag and follow half-masting directives, but they are not required to do so.Glossary of flag termsBreakingA flag is said to be broken when it is allowed to break free at the top of a flagpole after having been furled and hoisted to the top of the pole.BuntingA loosely woven coloured fabric, traditionally wool but nowadays often polyester, used for flags and festive decorations.Colours (maritime)The flags of a ship.EnsignA term that denotes distinctive flags authorised for use by the Navy, the Air Force, merchant ships and pleasure craft. Also the term used for a flag with the Union Flag in the first quarter.First QuarterThe upper half of the hoist and the place of honour in a flag; also called the canton and sometimes the upper hoist. The three other quarters are the second quarter – the upper half of the fly; third quarter – the lower half of the hoist (also called the lower hoist); and the fourth quarter – the lower half of the fly.FlagpoleThe pole on which a flag is hoisted; sometimes referred to as mast or flagstaff.FlyThe half of a flag farthest from the halyard.GaffA spar extending out from a flagpole. A spar is a stout, rounded piece usually made from wood or metal (as a mast, boom, gaff, or yard) used to support rigging.HalyardThe rope by which a flag is raised and lowered.HoistThe half of the flag nearest to the halyard.House flagOriginally a flag flown from an organisation's ship, but now used to describe flags of companies, clubs, and other organisations.Mast headThe top of the mast or flagpole; also called the peak.Pike-staffA pole with a decorative head to which a ceremonial flag is attached for carrying.Position of honourThe place given to the highest ranking flag especially when carried.SparA spar is a stout rounded usually wood or metal piece (as a mast, boom, gaff, or yard) used to support rigging.StaffThe pole used to support a flag especially when carried.Union JackThe common name given to the British flag.YardarmA spar slung horizontally across a flagpole. A spar is a stout rounded usually wood or metal piece (as a mast, boom, gaff, or yard) used to support rigging.The New Zealand flag may be displayed in a variety of ways which are described below.From a flagpole on a ropeThe first quarter of the flag should be uppermost and as close as possible to the top of the mast, tight with the flagpole.In a line of national and house flags, the New Zealand flag should be flown in the position of honour, to the left when you’re facing the flags.From left to right, flags should be in this order:the New Zealand flagflags of other countries in alphabetical orderhouse flags.In special circumstances, flags of Commonwealth countries may take precedence over other foreign flags. Commonwealth flags should also be in alphabetical order. Image On buildings1. For two or more flagpoles parallel to the building line, the New Zealand flag should be the first flag on the left when you’re looking at the main entrance. Image 2. When there are two or more flagpoles on the forecourt of a building at an angle to the main entrance, the New Zealand flag should be flown on the outermost pole when flagpoles are to the left of the main entrance, and on the innermost pole when flagpoles are to the right. Image Image Within a circle of flags1. In a semi-circle of flags representing a number of nations, the New Zealand flag should be in the centre. Image 2. In an enclosed circle of flags representing a number of nations, the New Zealand flag should be flown on the flagpole immediately opposite the main entrance to the venue. Image From a flagpole with yardarm and gaff1. When displayed with the flag of another nation on a flagpole fitted with a yardarm, the New Zealand flag should be on the left side of the yardarm as viewed from the front. Image 2. If the flagpole is fitted with a gaff, the New Zealand flag should be flown from the gaff and above any other flag. Image In processions1. The first quarter of the New Zealand flag should be in the position nearest the top of the pike (pole with decorative head for carrying flags). When carried, the pike should be held straight up so that the flag can hang free.2. The New Zealand flag should always lead in a single file of flags. Image 3. When two or more flags are carried side by side, the New Zealand flag takes the position of honour on the right hand end of the line facing the direction of movement. Image With crossed flagsWhenever crossed with the flag of another nation, the New Zealand flag should be on the left as you’re looking at it, its staff in front of that of the other flag. Image Suspended vertically above a streetThe first quarter of the New Zealand flag should face north in an east-west street, and face east in a north-south street, so it is on your left as you’re looking at it when facing east or south respectively. Image Flat against a surfaceWhen the New Zealand flag is against a wall or flat surface or hung in a window, the first quarter should be in the top left position. Image On a speaker’s platformWhen displayed from a flagstaff on a speaker’s platform, the New Zealand flag should be on the right-hand side of the speaker. Image As a pall for a casket at funeralsAny New Zealand citizen may have the New Zealand flag on their coffin. The protocols are:1. The first quarter should be draped over the left shoulder of the deceased.2. The flag should be removed before the casket is lowered into the grave or, at a crematorium, immediately after the committal. Image As a covering for a statue, monument, or plaque at an unveiling ceremonyThe New Zealand flag should be used for this purpose when the occasion has national significance.As car flagsThe New Zealand flag is usually only flown from a car carrying a Crown minister, a New Zealand ambassador when overseas, and the chief of the New Zealand Defence Force.As table flagsDouble-sided miniature versions of the New Zealand flag are suitable for use at conferences and restaurants, on tables and desks. The flag should be attached to a mast and stand.Folding the New Zealand flagThe following details showing how to fold the New Zealand flag are taken from the New Zealand flag booklet produced by the Department of Internal Affairs.Instructions1. Start with flag flat, the fold in half horizontally, then half again. Image 2. Fold lengthwise bottomside to topside once and then once again. Image 3. Bring ends together. Image 4. Now concertina by folding backwards and forwards towards the hoist edge. Image 5. Keep flag bundled by winding the halyard around and under itself. Image Half-mastingFlags are flown at half-mast as a sign of national mourning. On these occasions, government buildings should fly the flag at half-mast.The flag is half-masted by raising it to the top of the mast (flagpole), then slowly lowering it to the half-mast position. This position will depend on the flag’s size and the flagpole’s length. However, the flag’s half-mast position must be lower than its own depth as measured from the top of the flagpole to avoid looking as though it has accidentally fallen down. Image Rules for half-mastingWhen the New Zealand flag is flown at half-mast, other flags should not be flown above it. At the end of the day, the flag should be raised again to the top before lowering it for the day.Flags on government buildings should be flown at half-mast when a half-masting directive is issued by us.Flag half-masting occasionsThe SovereignFrom the announcement of death of the Sovereign up to and including the day of the funeral. The exception is Proclamation Day when the new sovereign is officially announced. On this occasion flags are flown from the top of the mast.The Governor-General, former governors-general, the Prime Minister or former prime ministersOn the announcement of death and the day of the funeral.Members of the Royal familyOn the day of the funeral subject to special command from the Sovereign or the Governor-General.Commonwealth governors-general, Commonwealth prime ministers in office, foreign and Commonwealth heads of stateOn the day of the funeral only.Local authorities and private companiesLocal authorities such as councils can fly their local flag at half-mast after the death of a prominent local citizen. It is appropriate to do so on the day or part of the day of the funeral. The same etiquette applies to the house flag of a company or organisation.In these cases, the New Zealand flag should remain at full mast.NotificationsWe let subscribed individuals and organisations know by email whenever the New Zealand flag is to be half-masted. If you would like to be added to this email list, please contact us:[email protected]List of recent half-masting occasionsThe table below lists all the official occasions when the New Zealand flag has been directed to fly at half-mast since 2005.The flying of the New Zealand flag at half-mast is covered by section 10 of the Flags, Emblems, and Names Protection Act 1981 and the New Zealand Flag Notice 2024. The directive to lower the flags at half-mast on government buildings is generally issued on the direction of the Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage.YearPerson's name or details of event commemoratedDate half-mastedReason2024Fa’anānā Efeso Collins, MP29 FebruaryTo mark the funeral2024Sir Michael Hardie Boys, former Governor-General31 JanuaryTo mark the Memorial Service2022Her Majesty Elizabeth II, Queen of New Zealand9 September - 10 September and from 12–26 September, the day of the New Zealand Memorial ServiceTo mark the death and funeral2021Hon Dame Catherine Tizard 1 NovemberTo mark the death2021HRH The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh 10 April, 13 April, 17 April (the day of the funeral) and 21 April (the day of the New Zealand Memorial Service).To mark the death and funeral2021HE Dr John Pombe Joseph Magufuli, President of Tanzania26 MarchTo mark the death2021Canterbury earthquake 22 FebruaryTo mark the tenth anniversary2020Whakaari/White Island volcanic eruption 9 DecemberTo mark the first anniversary2020Pike River Mine19 November To mark the tenth anniversary2020Sir Toke Talagi KNZM, former Niue Premier28 July To mark the state funeral2020Constable Matthew Hunt, New Zealand Police9 JulyTo mark the funeral of a police officer killed in the line of duty2020Christchurch mosque attacksWeekend of 14 – 15 MarchTo mark the first anniversary of the attacks2020Former Prime Minister Michael Kenneth Moore3 February and on the day of his funeral, 14 FebruaryTo mark the death and funeral2020His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said al Said, Sultan of Oman 13 JanuaryTo mark the death2019Whakaari/White Island volcanic eruption10 December to 16 DecemberAs a mark of mourning and respect for the victims2019Hon. Samuela ‘Akilisi Pohiva, Prime Minister of Tonga19 SeptemberTo mark the funeral2019Al Noor Mosque and Linwood Islamic Centre terror attacks 15 March to 29 MarchAs a mark of mourning and respect for the victims2018HE Tran Dai Quang, president of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam 27 SeptemberTo mark the funeral2017HE Womtelo Reverend Baldwin Lonsdale, the Head of State of the Republic of Vanuatu 21 JuneTo mark the funeral2016His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the Head of State of the Kingdom of Thailand14 OctoberTo mark the funeral2015Terrorist attacks in Paris, France 17 NovemberAs a mark of a respect for the victims2015Lee Kuan Yew, Singapore's first prime minister29 MarchTo mark the death2015King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz, King of Saudi Arabia26 JanuaryTo mark the death2014Michael Chilufya Sata, President of the Republic of Zambia11 NovemberTo mark the funeral2014Centenary of the First World War for New Zealand4 AugustTo mark the beginning of the centenary2013Hugo Rafael Chávez Frías, President of Venezuela9 MarchTo mark the funeral2012Corporal Jacinta Baker, Corporal Luke Tamatea and Private Richard Harris25 AugustTo mark the memorial service2012Three soldiers of the New Zealand Defence Force, killed in Afghanistan20 August To mark the death of three soldiers2012Lance Corporal Pralii Durrer and Lance Corporal Rory Malone11 AugustTo mark the funerals2012Death of two soldiers of the New Zealand Defence Force, killed in Afghanistan6 August To mark the death of two soldiers2012Corporal Douglas Charles Hughes, a New Zealand Army soldier who died in Afghanistan12 AprilTo mark the final day of the tangi2012Death of a New Zealand soldier, killed serving in Afghanistan4 AprilTo mark the death2012His Late Majesty King George Tupou V of Tonga27 MarchTo mark the funeral2012The Christchurch Earthquake22 FebruaryTo mark the first anniversary2011Lance Corporal Leon Smith of the New Zealand Defence Force, killed in Afghanistan6 OctoberTo mark the memorial service2011Death of a New Zealand soldier, killed serving in Afghanistan28 SeptemberTo mark the death2011Corporal Doug Grant of the New Zealand Defence Force, killed in Afghanistan29 AugustTo mark the full military funeral2011Death of a soldier of the New Zealand Defence Force, killed in Afghanistan20 August and again on 22 AugustTo mark the death2011Sir Paul Reeves15 August and on the day of his funeral, 18 August As a mark of respect for the former Governor-General2011Christchurch earthquake 18 March To mark the memorial service for victims2011Christchurch earthquake23 February to 12.51pm on 8 MarchAs a mark of respect for the victims2011Death of a soldier of the New Zealand Defence Force, killed in Afghanistan16 FebruaryTo mark the death2010Pike River mining tragedy2 DecemberIn recognition of the memorial service2010Pike River mining tragedy25 NovemberAs a mark of respect for the victims2010Lieutenant Tim O’Donnell of the New Zealand Defence Force, killed in Afghanistan11 August To mark the funeral2010Death of a soldier of the New Zealand Defence Force, killed in Afghanistan4 AugustTo mark the death2009Samoan tsunami9 OctoberAs a mark of respect for the Samoan National Burial and Memorial Service, in remembrance of all who perished2008Sir Edmund Hilary21 January and 22 JanuaryTo mark the lying in state and funeral2008Sir Edmund Hillary11 January and 12 January (until midnight), and the day of the funeralTo mark the death2007The Samoan Head of State Malietoa Tanumafili II14 May and 19 May (the day of the funeral)To mark the death2006His Majesty King Taufa’ahau Tupou, King of Tonga19 SeptemberTo mark the funeral2006His Majesty King Taufa’ahau Tupou, King of Tonga11,12,13 SeptemberTo mark the death until coffin leaves New Zealand2006Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu, the Māori Queen16 AugustTo mark the death2005Rod Donald, MP.10 November (the day of the funeral) To mark the death2005Former Prime Minister Rt Hon David Russell Lange17 August (the day of the funeral) and 20 August (the day of the memorial service)To mark the death2005His Majesty King Fahd of Saudi Arabia2 August To mark the death and funeral2005London terrorist bombings8 July As a mark of respect to and in remembrance of all who perished2005His Serene Highness Prince Rainier III of Monaco15 April To mark the funeral2005His Holiness Pope John Paul II3 April, 4 April and on the day of the funeral)To mark the death and funeral2005Boxing Day Tsunami in Southern and South-East Asia14 January to the end of the day on Sunday 16 JanuaryTo remember the victims