Did the NZ flag change?
New Zealand’s Government held a two-stage binding referendum on a flag change in 2015 and 2016. Voters chose to retain the current flag, by a vote of 56.6% to 43.1%. Turnout in the referendum was 67%—relatively low compared to the 74-80% turnout in general elections in the 21st century.
When did the NZ flag change?
In 2016, for the first time, New Zealanders voted on their flag. The options were the current New Zealand flag and the Silver Fern (Black, White and Blue) design which had been selected from among five designs in a referendum in 2015. Nearly 57% of voters opted for the current flag.
Why does New Zealand flag only have 4 stars?
The fifth smaller star on the Australian Flag can be seen when looking at the Southern Cross and there was some debate in New Zealand as to whether the fifth star should be included on the New Zealand Flag. They decided just to use the four stars that mark the points of the compass.
What is the current New Zealand flag?
The current New Zealand Flag has a deep blue background. In the top left corner, filling half the left side, is the Union Jack design showing red and white crosses on a blue background. The cross in the forefront is red on a white background.
Why are New Zealand and Australia flags British?
It represents the link between Australia/New Zealand and UK. Both Australia and New Zealand, like India, were a part of British colonies. They are now a part of British Commonwealth Nation, and presence of Union Jack symbolizes that connection. So these countries display Union Jack in their flag.
What does the New Zealand flag colors mean?
On the flag’s fly, there is a pattern of stars representing the Southern Cross in the Crux constellation. The flag’s proportion is 1:2, with three colors: red, blue, and white. The 1902 flag is a symbol for the people of New Zealand, its Realm, and the Government. The color blue represents the sky and the sea.
What is the difference between the New Zealand flag and Australian flag?
The difference between Australia and New Zealand flag is, of course, the number of stars. Australia’s flag has six white stars, while New Zealand’s four star Southern Cross is in red.
When did the New Zealand flag referendum 2015 take place?
The Flag Consideration Panel’s reports to the Responsible Minister, and the documents from the Panel’s meetings, can be downloaded below. The New Zealand Flag Referendums Act 2015 received Royal assent on 14 August 2015 and is available at www.legislation.govt.nz, along with the Orders in Council governing the first and second referendums.
How long does it take to change New Zealand flag?
New Zealand Government ships and those non-government ships flying the New Zealand flag (instead of the New Zealand Red Ensign) would have been given an extra six months to change their flag to the new design.
Is there a debate about the New Zealand flag?
New Zealand has a history of debate about whether the national flag should be changed. For several decades, alternative designs have been proposed, with varying degrees of support. There is no consensus among proponents of changing the flag as to which design should replace the flag.
What are the official flags of New Zealand?
New Zealand has a number of other official flags, including the maritime red and white ensigns and flags symbolising the Queen and the Governor-General.