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Home NZ Identity & Heritage Flags Flying the New Zealand Flag

Flying the New Zealand Flag

The New Zealand Flag can be flown any day of the year, usually during working hours, and in a variety of places. Flag flying can be observed on a 24 hour basis especially when buildings are floodlit – although continuous flying shortens a flag’s life and it may have to be replaced more often. The New Zealand Flag should never be flown in a dilapidated condition.

Days of national commemoration

Flag flying is particularly encouraged on the following days, which are designated days of national commemoration:

February

6 - Waitangi Day

March

2nd Monday - Commonwealth Day

April

25 - Anzac Day*

June

First Monday - Official birthday of The Sovereign

June / July 

Te Rā Aro ki a Matariki/Matariki Observance Day  - will shift each year to align with the maramataka (Māori lunar calendar) and will always be on a Friday. See Beehive media release Matariki holiday dates for next thirty years announced.

October

24 - United Nations Day

4th Monday - Labour Day

November

14 - Birthday of His Majesty The King

* Anzac Day is New Zealand's national day for commemorating those who have served this country in times of war, and the New Zealand Flag should be flown at the top of the flagpole. However, at places where commemorative services are held, it is appropriate for the flag to be lowered to half-mast for the duration of a memorial service as a sign of respect.

Other official occasions

The New Zealand Flag should be flown to mark:

  • the opening of Parliament (Wellington only) by The King or the Governor-General
  • the swearing-in ceremony of the Governor-General designate and the state farewell for the outgoing Governor-General (Wellington only)
  • visits by the Royal Family and other distinguished people such as a Head of State or Head of Government (only in the city or area being visited)
  • other special occasions, such as a royal birth, subject to special command by the Governor-General or direction of the Prime Minister.

Times of mourning

Flags are flown at half-mast as a sign of mourning.

Flag at half mast

The flag is half-masted by raising it to the top of the mast, then slowly lowering it to the half-mast position, which will depend on the size of the flag and the length of the flagpole.

The flag must be lowered to a position more than its own depth from the top of the flagpole to avoid the appearance of a flag which has accidentally fallen from the top of the flagpole. When the New Zealand Flag is flown at half-mast, other flags should not be flown above it.  The Flag should be raised again to the peak before lowering it for the day.

Flags on government buildings should be flown at half-mast when directed by the Chief Executive of the Ministry for Culture and Heritage.

For government and public buildings, flags should be flown at half-mast during times of mourning for the following people and according to the following procedures.

The Sovereign

From the announcement of death up to and including the day of the funeral (except on Proclamation Day when the new sovereign is officially announced and flags are flown from the top of the mast).

The Governor-General, former Governors-General, the Prime Minister and former Prime Ministers

On the announcement of death and the day of the funeral

Members of the Royal Family

On the day of the funeral subject to special command from The King or the Governor-General.

Commonwealth Governors-General, Commonwealth Prime Ministers in office, Foreign and Commonwealth Heads of State

On the day of the funeral only.

When local authorities fly their local flag at half-mast following 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.

Government buildings

For government buildings with flagpoles, the New Zealand Flag should be flown every day during normal weekday working hours and only in the weekend if the building is in use.

Diplomatic posts

New Zealand’s diplomatic posts overseas, including the residences of Heads of Mission, should fly the New Zealand Flag daily.

Naval ships and Government vessels

Commissioned ships of the Royal New Zealand Navy fly the New Zealand Flag as a jack  (at the bow) when anchored, secured to a buoy, moored, or tied to a wharf.  They also fly the New Zealand White Ensign at the stern. Government vessels fly the New Zealand Flag as an ensign (at the stern).

Merchant ships and pleasure craft

New Zealand registered merchant ships, pleasure boats and yachts may fly the New Zealand Red Ensign.

Aircraft

Both the New Zealand Flag and the New Zealand Civil Air Ensign may be flown on aircraft registered in New Zealand. Airlines owning New Zealand aircraft, and the Civil Aviation Authority, may fly the Ensign on their buildings as well as on their aircraft.

Updated on 11th May 2023