Flying Friday June 12, 2009.

June 12 is the anniversary of the adoption of the New Zealand flag in 1902.

The flag of New Zealand is a defaced Blue Ensign with the Union Jack in the canton, and four red stars with white borders to the right. The stars represent the constellation of Crux, the Southern Cross, as seen from New Zealand.

New Zealand's first flag, the flag of the United Tribes of New Zealand, was adopted before New Zealand became a British colony.

Flag of the United Tribes of New Zealand

The united Tribes flag was chosen by an assembly of Māori chiefs in 1834, the flag was of a St. George's Cross with another cross in the canton containing four stars on a blue field. After the formation of the colony in 1841, British ensigns began to be used.

New Flag for New Zealand

A number of groups in New Zealand have advocated a change of flag away from the flag with colonial roots, and have advocated many designs, some shown below.

P.S.

Click this link to Watch some England v NZ Rugby (first 2 clips) !