National flag and both have the Southern Cross as a prominent feature. The only differences between these flags is that the Australian flag has the Commonwealth Star below the canton, and that on the New Zealand flag, just four stars in the Southern Cross are presented, and they are five-pointed red stars with white borders. On the other hand, all five stars of the Southern Cross are presented on the Australian flag, and they are white with seven points, except for the additional smaller fifth star in the Southern Cross which has only five points on this flag. Some similarities to the
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