Flags today are generally symbolic of nationhood and identity. Among other things, they represent the history and future of ones’ country.
Flags have been used in one form or another for more than 4,000 years. They were used as a means of communication, initially for military purposes and then for identifying signals at sea. They evolved to represent royal houses, then countries and other levels of government, businesses, military ranks and units, sports teams, and political parties.
The need to select an official New Zealand flag arose in 1830 when a trading ship (the Sir George Murray) which was built in New Zealand, was seized in Sydney by Customs officials for sailing without a flag or register. Then, Australia was subject to British navigation laws which ruled that every ship must carry an official certificate detailing construction, ownership and nationality of the ship.
Without a flag, New Zealand’s trading ships continued the risk of being seized. It is believed that during the Sydney seizure and detainment, Patuone and Taonui from Te Taitokerau were onboard. It was reported at the time that Māori were ‘exceedingly indignant’ upon hearing the news of the ship’s fate.
Last modified: 14/07/2009