The flag of New Zealand, also known as the New Zealand Ensign, is based on the British maritime Blue Ensign – a blue field with the Union Jack in the canton or upper hoist corner – augmented or defaced with four red stars centred within four white stars, representing the Southern Cross constellation.
The flag of New Zealand flying outside the Beehive in Wellington
This contemporary kaitaka cloak is representative of typical kaitaka designs during the mid-19th century, being mostly natural colours with geometric designs on the borders. The design of the kaitaka flown on the Sir George Murray is not specified in documents.
The flag pole at Waitangi, flying (left – right) the Flag of the United Tribes of New Zealand, the Ensign of the Royal New Zealand Navy and the Union Jack, 5 February 2006
Hōne Heke cutting down the flagstaff flying the Union Jack at Kororāreka, 1844
The Blue Ensign is a flag, one of several British ensigns, used by certain organisations or territories associated or formerly associated with the United Kingdom. It is used either plain or defaced with a badge or other emblem.
RFA Brambleleaf flying the square Blue Jack based on the Blue Ensign