Flag of New Zealand services of the New Zealand Defence Force have their own flags. A few local authorities have commissioned their own flags, such as the flag of Otago. Flag of New Zealand The flag of New Zealand, also known as the New Zealand Ensign, is a defaced Blue Ensign: a blue field with the Union Flag in the canton, and four red stars with white borders to the right. The stars' pattern represents the asterism within the constellation of Crux Australis, the Southern Cross. New Zealand's first flag, the flag of the United Tribes of New Zealand, was adopted in 1834, six
Flag of New Zealand Flags, Emblems, and Names Protection Act 1981 does allow for the Red Ensign to be used on land on occasions of Māori significance, continuing the long preference of Māori for the use of red in flags. The flag commonly known as the "tino rangatiratanga" (Māori sovereignty) flag was designed in 1989. It has been widely acknowledged as a national flag for the Māori. There are two official flags which, when flown in the appropriate circumstance, take precedence over the national flag of New Zealand: In addition, the New Zealand Police, New Zealand Fire Service, New Zealand Customs Service, and the