When official flag of New Zealand was first used?

1 ANSWERS

1. Guest6514
   

   The official New Zealand flag was first used in 1869. It is based on the British blue ensign with the Union Jack in the upper left corner, and four red stars with white borders to the right. These stars represent the constellation of Crux, the Southern Cross, as it seen from New Zealand.
   Initially this flag used only on government ships only but in 1902 it was made the official flag of New Zealand. The need for an official New Zealand flag was first recognized when a New Zealand trading vessel was seized by customs officials in Sydney harbour. The ship had been sailing without a flag, which was a violation of British navigation laws. However New Zealand-built ships could not fly under a British flag as New Zealand was not yet a British colony. This incensed Maori, as two important chiefs were on the ship that was seized, and the call for an official New Zealand flag gained impetus.

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