Story: Flags

Flying the flag at Ōtāhuhu School, around 1900

Flying the flag at Ōtāhuhu School, around 1900

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, flag-raising ceremonies at schools were seen as an important way of promoting patriotism and allegiance to the British Empire. As this photograph of Ōtāhuhu School, Auckland, around 1900 shows, the ceremonies were a major school and community event – even passers-by on horseback have stopped to watch, and some pedestrians have climbed the fence to get a better look. The Union Jack continued to be flown at schools after the New Zealand Ensign was adopted in 1902.

Using this item

Auckland City Libraries – Tāmaki Pātaka Kōrero, Sir George Grey Special Collections
Reference: 4-7630

Permission of Auckland City Libraries Tāmaki Pātaka Kōrero must be obtained before any re-use of this image.

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How to cite this page:

Kerryn Pollock, 'Flags - New Zealand flag', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/33971/flying-the-flag-at-otahuhu-school-around-1900 (accessed 25 April 2024)

Story by Kerryn Pollock, published 20 Jun 2012, reviewed & revised 20 Apr 2016