New Zealand flag debate country itself. This design originated from the All Blacks and is also currently used by New Zealand's national netball ("Silver Ferns"), rugby sevens ("All Blacks Sevens"), rugby league ("Kiwis"), men's hockey, women's hockey, association football ("All Whites"), cricket ("Black Caps"), Futsal ("Futsal White") and wheelchair rugby ("Wheel Blacks") teams. On 1 September 2015, the Flag Consideration Panel announced the final four designs to be included in the first referendum. On 23 September, Prime Minister John Key confirmed the Red Peak flag would be added as a fifth option in the flag referendum after growing popular support for the design to
Flag of New Zealand incorporating the Southern Cross, was approved. It was initially used only on government ships, but was adopted as the "de facto" national flag. To end confusion between various designs of the flag, the Liberal Government passed the New Zealand Ensign Act 1901, which was approved by King Edward VII on 24 March 1902.. One of the first recorded accounts of the New Zealand Blue Ensign flag being flown in battle was at Quinn's Post, Gallipoli, in 1915. It was not, however, flown officially. The flag was brought back to New Zealand by Private John Taylor, Canterbury Battalion. The first time