What Does The New Zealand Flag Mean?

The flag of New Zealand includes a deep dark blue background with a British Union Jack lying in the top left part. The right side of the flag has four stars with five points, coloured in red with a white outline.

If you are wondering what is the significance of the British Union Jack, it depicts the British commonwealth culture of New Zealand. The country had achieved freedom from the British on 26th September, 1907. Till the year 1865, New Zealand used the same flag as that of Britain. In the year 1867, a flag on the lines of the one used now came into existence with the letters NZ incorporated on it. The letters were then substituted by the stars in the year 1869.

The blue background represents the sky and the sea. The four stars imply Alpha, Beta, Gamma and Delta. The stars are arranged in such a way that it symbolizes a Southern Cross. The Southern Cross is a famous constellation situated in the southern hemisphere. Thus the Southern Cross in the flag is an identification of New Zealand's position geographically.