flag

Maritime origins

New Zealand’s first flag

The Taranaki Militia and Rifle Volunteers' efforts in 1860 were rewarded by the presentation in 1861 of an impressive flag designed and sewn by local women. The words 'South Africa' was added to the corps' colours following their participation in the South African War.

Maori men in front of the Moutoa flag, which was presented by the ladies of Whanganui to lower Whanganui iwi in 1865 to mark their success at Moutoa Island.

Various iwi/hapu names are shown on Red Ensigns flying at a reception for His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales (later Edward, Duke of Windsor) during his visit to Rotorua in 1920. A version of the United Tribes flag can be seen at the top of the string of flags, while a Union Jack features towards the bottom of the photograph.

An ink drawing by Gilbert Mair of Te Kooti’s triangular pennant, ‘Te Wepu’ (the whip). This flag was made for Ngāti Kahungunu by nuns at the Greenmeadows Missionary School. It measured 52 ft (16 m) by 4 ft (1.2 m). Captured by Te Kooti in 1868, it remained in his possession until seized by Gilbert Mair near Rotorua in 1870. Te Wepu was decorated with a crescent moon, a cross, a six-pointed star, a mountain representing New Zealand, and a bleeding heart that is thought to have symbolised the sufferings of the Māori people.

The top flag depicted by W.F. Gordon is the personal flag of Te Ua Haumēne, founder of the Pai Mārire faith. The word ‘Kenana’ (Canaan) represents Te Ua’s identification with the Jews. The lower flags are those of Tītokowaru and Peehi Tūroa, two apostles of the faith.