Kiwi Identity

Flags, Anthems and Coat of Arms Challenge: Draw the New Zealand flag from memory! How did you do? How is the NZ flag different to the OZ?

What is the history of the New Zealand Flag? Without a flag to represent the new nation, trading ships and their valuable cargoes were being seized (arrested) and not allowed to trade. Following the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi on 6 February 1840, the Union Jack replaced the Flag of the United Tribes of New Zealand as the official flag of New Zealand. British law required that all ships owned by a colonial government must fly the Blue Ensign with the badge of the colony on it. New Zealand at that time did not have an official badge or emblem, and as such flew the Blue Ensign without a distinguishing badge.

The New Zealand Flag features, on a royal blue background, a Union Jack in the first quarter and four five-pointed red stars of the Southern Cross on the fly. The stars have white borders. After several suggestions for a official badge or emblem – the southern cross stars were finally accepted.

What Kind of Flag? Your challenge is to design a new flag for New Zealand. The New Zealand Flag may be made to any size, but in all cases the length should be twice the width. Think colours, symbols that represent our Multicultural society.

The Anthem New Zealand holds a rare position in the world in that it has two national anthems of equal standing - 'God Defend New Zealand' and 'God Save The Queen'. Both of these anthems have origins which have been inspired by the fire of patriotism yet were written under markedly different situations.God Defend New ZealandGod Save The Queen Read the words! What do they mean? CHALLENGE : Rewrite the anthem in the language of today. What is the purpose of a National Anthem? Listen to the National Anthem !

The Coat of Arms Challenge: Can you draw it? How did you do? Analyse the Coat of Arms. Take each item in turn and decide what it is supposed to tell people about New Zealand. Write a description of New Zealand based on the Coat of Arms.

History of the Coat of Arms In 1906 a competition was held for designs, however those being considered were destroyed when fire swept through the Old Parliament Buildings in The competition was readvertised in 1908 and some 75 designs featuring everything from kiwis, sheep, cows, moas and lions, to stars, ships, British soldiers, Maori warriors and Union Jacks were received. The winning entry was a design by James McDonald, a draughtsman in the Department of Tourist and Health Resorts. Southern Cross Stars Ships – sea trade Fleece - farming Hammers - mining Wheat - agriculture Maori Chieftain holding a taiaha (a Maori war weapon) European woman holding the New Zealand Ensign. St Edward's Crown - Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

Challenge Design a new Coat of Arms that represents New Zealand today, at the beginning of the twenty-first century. Write a description of your New Zealand based on your Coat of Arms