Union Jack flag

The Union Jack was the official New Zealand flag from 1840 to 1902.

The first Union flag (or Union Jack) was created by James I in 1606 to represent his new realm of England and Scotland, and was, fittingly, based on the flags of the patron saints of the two countries, St George and St Andrew. The addition of Ireland to the Kingdom of Great Britain in 1801 saw St Patrick's cross incorporated into the design, forming the Union flag which is still used today. Following the creation of the modern Union flag, it was frequently used by the Navy and the name 'Union Jack' is believed to derive from the Navy's use of the flag on the jackstaff of its vessels. In 1908, the British Parliament officially approved the name 'Union Jack' for the flag.