New Zealand flag debate You love them because of who they are, unconditionally. Flags are a bit like that." In 2009, "The New Zealand Herald" surveyed various political party leaders and the twenty two members of the Order of New Zealand, with the results showing an even split. The silver fern flag is a popular unofficial flag of New Zealand. The silver fern itself is an official national symbol, and its current and historic usage including: The proposal of replacing the national flag of New Zealand with the silver fern flag has been supported by Cultural Affairs Minister Marie Hasler, Prime Minister Jenny Shipley
United Tribes of New Zealand to soldiers who served in the South African War (1899–1902). In July 2009 it was proposed as one of four possible designs for an official Māori flag at a series of hui around New Zealand. The flag is also occasionally encountered with black or white fimbriation and six-pointed stars. As stated in E.M.C. Barraclough's book "Flags of the World" (), The Shaw, Savill & Albion Line used this flag (though with white fimbriation instead of black and a proportions change from 1:2 to 3:5) as its company flag during its existence from 1882 to 1974. United Tribes of New Zealand