Flag of New Zealand flag has often arisen in connection with the issue of republicanism in New Zealand. The Southern Cross constellation is depicted on the flags of other former British colonies, such as the flag of Australia—although in Australia's case there are six all-white stars, while New Zealand's four stars have red centres. The Australian and New Zealand flags are often mistaken for each other, and this confusion has been cited as a reason for adopting a different design. Debate on keeping or changing the New Zealand flag started before May 1973, when a remit to change the flag was voted down by
Royal New Zealand Navy ensign, which retains the Union Flag in a top quarter but replaces the St George's Cross with the Southern Cross constellation that is displayed on the national flag. The hydrographic survey ship of the RNZN until 2012 was , succeeding the long-serving . "Resolution" was used to survey and chart the sea around New Zealand and the Pacific Islands. A small motor boat, SMB "Adventure", was operated from "Resolution". "Resolution" carried some of the most advanced survey technology available. HMNZS Resolution was decommissioned at Devonport Naval Base on 27 April 2012. The RNZN is currently in a transitional period where