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The New Zealand flag is a rare example of a flag with colonial origins that, with only minor modifications, continued to represent the nation as it underwent substantial political developments. New Zealand ’s national flag is a British Blue Ensign (ratio 1:2) defaced with four red, white‑fimbriated stars of the Southern Cross in the fly. The design stems from nineteenth‑century colonial ensigns and was standardised by the New Zealand Ensign Act 1901 (in force 1902). Star positions and diameters were later clarified in construction sheets. The Union Jack in the canton marks constitutional origins; the Southern Cross anchors the banner in the southern sky. Protocol sets ... The New Zealand flag hasn't always been our official flag . It was adopted in 1902, replacing the Union Jack. Between 1834 and 1840, the flag of the United Tribes was recognised as our first 'national' flag . Waitangi Day 2010 saw the first official recognition of the national Māori flag . Learn about the history, design and meaning of the New Zealand flag , based on the British Blue Ensign with four red stars representing the Southern Cross. Find out how the flag was adopted, changed and debated over time.