History of the New Zealand Flag
Introduction
12 June 2002 marked the centenary of the New Zealand Flag, which became our official flag amidst the pomp and patriotism surrounding the South African War. To mark this occasion, the Ministry delved into the maritime origins of the New Zealand Flag and looked at the history of previous flags used in New Zealand, including that chosen by the United Tribes in 1834 to be the first flag of New Zealand.
From these early beginnings, the New Zealand Flag has gone on to represent New Zealand in almost every arena, perhaps most notably on the battlefield and the sports field. 100 years on, it continues to provide a tangible link to New Zealand across the world, from some of the most remote regions of Antarctica to the September 11 rubble of the World Trade Center towers in New York.
Prime Minister Helen Clark and US Ambassador Charles
Swindells reflected
in the New Zealand Flag recovered
from the rubble of the World Trade
Center in New York,
site of the September 11 terrorist attacks. The flag
was
brought back from New York by Helen Clark, and
hangs in
Parliament.
Ref: C S, EvPOST Image ID: 18670
Copyright Photo, Evening Post, Wellington, New Zealand.