The New Zealand Flag
Flag Protocols
Dignity of the Flag
The New Zealand Flag is the national symbol of this country and accordingly it should be honoured and treated with respect. To use, display, destroy, or damage the Flag in or within view of a public place with the intention of dishonouring it is an offence, as is the placement of any letter, emblem, or representation on the Flag.
Advertising and Commercial Use
Any person or organisation may use the New Zealand Flag in advertising. A faithful representation should always be achieved with the flag being reproduced in its true form and colours. Slogans or objects appearing in a different dimension to the Flag, within the context of an advertisement, will not be seen as the placement of unauthorised objects on the Flag. Persons or organisations wishing to use the New Zealand Flag in advertisements or for commercial purposes are welcome to discuss their ideas with the Ministry for Culture and Heritage.
Displaying the Flag
Except when flown with royal or vice-regal flags, the New Zealand Flag should always be given the Position of Honour in New Zealand.
Within New Zealand, the New Zealand Flag takes precedence over all other national flags and house flags. However, international practice forbids the display of the flag of one nation above that of another in time of peace.
When the New Zealand Flag is flown with the flags of other nations, 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.
The New Zealand Flag may be displayed in a variety of ways:
From a Flagpole on a Rope
The first quarter should be placed uppermost and raised as closely as possible to the top of the mast with the flagpole tight.
In a line of national and house flags, the New Zealand Flag should be flown on the left of the observer facing the flags, that is, in the position of honour.
From the observers left to right, the flags should be arranged in this order: the New Zealand Flag, the flags of other nations (in alphabetical order of country), house flags.
In special circumstances, the flags of Commonwealth countries may take precedence over other foreign flags; the Commonwealth flags should also be arranged in alphabetical order.
On Buildings
Where there are two or more flagpoles parallel to the building line, the New Zealand Flag should be the first flag on the left of an observer facing the main entrance of the building.
Where there are two or more flagpoles on the forecourt of a building but an angle to the main entrance, the New Zealand Flag should be flown on the outermost pole when the flagpoles are situated to the left of the main entrance and on the innermost pole when the flagpoles are to the right of the main entrance.
Within a Circle of Flags
In a semi-circle of flags representing a number of nations, the New Zealand Flag should be in the centre.
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.
From a Flagpole with Yardarm and Gaff
When displayed with the flag of another nation on a flagpole fitted with a yardarm, the New Zealand Flag should be positioned on the left hand side of the yardarm as viewed from the front. If the flagpole is fitted with a gaff, the New Zealand Flag should be flown from the gaff and above any other flag.
In Processions
If used on a pike, the first quarter of the New Zealand Flag should be placed in the position nearest the top of the pike. When carried the pike should be held straight up so that the flag may hang free.
The New Zealand Flag should always lead in a single file of flags.
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.
With Crossed Flags
Whenever crossed with the flag of another nation, the New Zealand Flag should be on the left of the observer facing the flag. It's staff should be in front of the staff of the other flag.
Suspended Vertically above a Street
The first quarter should face the north in an east-west street, and face east in a north-south street, thus being on the left of the observer facing east or south respectively.
Flat Against a Surface
When displayed against a wall or flat surface or hung in a window, the first quarter should be placed in the top left position as seen by the observer.
On a Speakers Platform
When displayed from a staff, on a speakers platform, the New Zealand Flag should be placed on the right hand side of the speaker.
As a Pall for a Casket at Funerals
Any New Zealand citizen may have the New Zealand flag on their coffin.
The first quarter should be draped over the left shoulder of the deceased. The flag should be removed before the casket is lowered into the grave or, at a crematorium, immediately after the committal.
As a Covering for a Statue, Monument, or Plaque at an Unveiling Ceremony
The New Zealand Flag should be used for this purpose when the occasion has national significance.
As Car Flags
The New Zealand Flag as a car flag is usually flown only on a car conveying a Minister of the Crown, a New Zealand Ambassador when overseas, and the Chief of Defence Force.
As Table Flags
Double-sided miniature flags are suitable for use at conferences and restaurants, on tables and desks. The Flag should be attached to a mast and stand.