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Story: Coat of arms

The seal of Nelson province

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The seal of Nelson province

The New Zealand provinces also had official seals. This is a picture of the impression made in sealing wax by the Nelson provincial government’s seal. Nelson is conveniently marked on a map of New Zealand, while Britannia (seated alongside her Union Jack shield) points towards Nelson and her young disciple, who – like Britannia – carries a trident, and represents Britannia’s new, young lands.

Using this item

Nelson Provincial Museum

Reference: A4174

Permission must be sought from Nelson Provincial Museum before any re-use of this image.

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How to cite this page

Stephen Levine, Coat of arms – The seal of New Zealand, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/object/35073/the-seal-of-nelson-province (accessed 4 June 2026).

Story by Stephen Levine, published 17 April 2012.