The New Zealand flag is the symbol of the realm, government and people of New Zealand. Its royal blue background is derived from the ensign of the Blue Squadron of the Royal Navy. The stars of the Southern Cross emphasise this country's location in the South Pacific Ocean. The Union Jack in the first quarter recognises New Zealand's historical origins as a British colony and dominion.
The New Zealand flag hasn't always been our official flag. It was adopted in 1902 amidst the pomp and patriotism of the South African War. For six decades before that, theUnion Jack fluttered from New Zealand's flagpoles. But even that wasn't our first flag. Between 1834 and 1840, the Flag of the United Tribes of New Zealand was recognised as the first 'national' flag of these islands.
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. Waitangi Day 2010 saw the first official recognition of the national Māori flag, which flew alongside the New Zealand flag on the Auckland Harbour Bridge, Parliament, the Beehive, and other government buildings.
In 2016 New Zealanders will for the first time vote in a referendum on their flag. They will choose between the current New Zealand flag and the most popular choice from among four options put forward by a cross-party committee in 2015.
What do you think about having a new flag?
Do you think a new flag will honour our fallen soldiers who fought so gallantly in for our country?
Please write an opinion about this issue.
I don't think we need a new flag because it has been around for a while and it represents our country really well.The blue background is ensign of the blue squadron of the Royal Navy.The stars of the Southern Cross emphasise this country's location in the South Pacific Ocean.The union jack in the top left corner recognises New Zealand's historical origins as a British colony and dominion.
ReplyDeleteI think we need a new flag because our one right now has the union jack on it even though we are part of the commonwealth we are not ruled by the british anymore New Zealand is a free country. I think that we need a new flag that people will recognize as the New Zealand flag. Also the New Zealand flag looks similar to the Australian flag and people can easily mistake it for the Australian flag.
ReplyDeleteI don't think getting a new flag is a good idea because our soldiers fought behind it, and also it's original.
ReplyDeleteI think we should not have a new flag because of what it has represented us in lots of things.
ReplyDeleteWhat great discussion. You have all raised some very thought provoking ideas here. Keep up the good work.
ReplyDeletei think its not a good because of the men and women that fought for this flag and the meaning it has
ReplyDeleteI agree Mr Leith because they have offered convincing for and against arguments. It makes you feel proud as a Kiwi of being able to have freedom of speech and opinions.
ReplyDeleteMrs Armstrong
I think our flag doesn't need to change because the NZ soldiers fought for this flag. I wouldnt like is if I was a soldier who fought for that flag and they got rid of it.
ReplyDeleteI think we should change it because we are independent
ReplyDeleteI personally don't like the idea of changing the New Zealand flag because that's been the national flag for years and to change it now is a bad idea
ReplyDeleteI don't want to change the flag because it's our history.
ReplyDeleteI think we sod not change the flag because it is our history
ReplyDeleteI don't think we should change it because it is our country's heritage and we are not going to change any other then but the look it wont change who we are. and we are spending the governments money and we could use on like a new hospital or something we actualy need.And because it is for the soldiers that fought for us in the war.
ReplyDeleteI don't think we should change because it carries our heritage and in my opinion its just a waist of money that they could use for a hospital or a charity.
ReplyDeleteI think its a waste of money because there are better things we could be spending it on.
ReplyDeleteI do not think the flag should be changed as many, many soldiers fought and died under our current flag. Spending millions of dollars on changing a flag is NOT worth it when the money could go to something far more worth while such as prevention of child poverty and education. What ever happens people will still be unhappy with the outcome of this referendum. Its still not worth the money.
ReplyDeleteI personally think we should change the NZ flag because we are not British anymore and we should show that NZ isn't just British people there's other cultures mixed in. And the money is being spent anyways so why not make it count. Plus I think the NZ flag lacks creativity and is slightly ugly.
ReplyDeleteVery interesting comments Room 1.
ReplyDeleteMrs Armstrong
I completely agree with Jordan. Thousands of soldiers fought and died under our current flag. How will we 'remember them' if we have a new flag that doesn't carry even a fraction of the memories the soldiers have? It is a huge part of our history. It's pretty much disrespectful to anyone who has ever fought under it. Navy, Army, Soldiers etc. Noticing people saying we aren't British anymore - that's a lie. We may no longer be ruled by the Queen but she ONCE ruled us which is why we put the Union Jack in the corner, to say thanks. We may be a multicultural country, but if other cultures come to US, they should have to adapt to us. We shouldn't have to adapt to them, because it's our country. They're inhabitants. My comment may be mean, but it's true! The money could go to many more beneficial things. It is ridiculous. Keep our flag.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Pizza
ReplyDeleteI do not care but i think we should keep the flag because we fought for it and the flag is good well i think.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you Jordan a lot of soldiers died under our current flag .And how will we remember them if we have a new flag that doesn't carry even a bit of memories and it is globally recognised in our country and it would be wrong to change it. The soldiers fought for it and it should stay like it.And if we change it we wouldn't known how we are that so why we shouldn't change the flag so please don't change it
ReplyDeleteThis is an awesome comment. Well done Chloe.
DeleteI don't think its necessary that we change our flag it represents who we are and our history to change it would be like taking away a part of someone and throwing it away and people wouldn't be used to the new flag its a silly idea.... and why are we changing the flag anyway we have more important things to worry about in nz!
ReplyDeleteWelcome to Room1's Blog Lettitia. I am really impressed with your comment.
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