Story: Nation and government

The New Zealand flag

The New Zealand flag

With Britain’s Union Jack in one corner, the flag still proclaims New Zealand’s origins as a British colony. The constellation of the Southern Cross is also shown as it is on the Australian flag, although in Australia’s case there are six all-white stars, while New Zealand's four stars have red centres. Some New Zealanders believe there should be a new flag which better reflects the country’s independent nationhood, but others are nostalgic about the long connection with Britain.

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Te Ara - The Encyclopedia of New Zealand
Photograph by Melanie Lovell-Smith

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How to cite this page:

John Wilson, 'Nation and government - Nationhood and identity', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/2574/the-new-zealand-flag (accessed 29 March 2024)

Story by John Wilson, updated 1 Sep 2016