New Zealand's official badge or emblem consists of the four stars of the Southern Cross. This device was first adopted by a Proclamation dated 23 October 1869 when it was laid down that “the distinctive badge of the colony … shall be the Southern Cross, as represented in the Blue Ensign by four five-pointed red stars in the fly, with white stars to correspond to the colouring of the Jack …” This arrangement remained in force until the passing of the New Zealand Ensign Act of 1901 which came into force in 1902 and, although the relative proportions of the stars were revised, the Southern Cross device remained the official badge of the colony. The Shipping and Seamen's Act of 1908 repealed the New Zealand Ensign Act, but the sections concerning the national badge were re-enacted. This law protects the use of the national emblem today.
As depicted emblematically, the Southern Cross is a penitential cross, having its base rather longer than its two arms. In the New Zealand version there are four five-point stars; while in the Australian there are four seven-point stars, with a smaller five-point star where the lower edge of the right arm joins the upright.
The initials “N.Z.” have also been officially recognised as a distinctive badge or monogram for New Zealand. On 27 April 1867 these were adopted as a temporary device on the New Zealand Maritime Flag but were superseded by the 1869 Proclamation. In 1874 the initials were incorporated with the Southern Cross in the badge used on the Governor's Ensign. Thus usage continued until about 1935.
The tree fern or “silver fern” has also received recognition as New Zealand's official badge, although it does not enjoy statutory protection like the Southern Cross. It was originally adopted by the New Zealand Native Rugby Team which visited England in 1888 and has since formed part of the uniform (or badge) of successive representative sporting teams. From the early 1900s the fern leaf has been used as a trademark for meat and dairy exports. On 18 May 1908, to mark the attainment of Dominion status, the Secretary of State for Colonies approved the New Zealand Government's proposal to substitute a wreath of fern leaves for the laurel wreath on the Governor's Ensign. This usage, also, continued until about 1935. The fern leaf has been used as a distinguishing badge for New Zealand military formations, particularly during the Second World War, and was also used to mark the graves of New Zealand servicemen in overseas countries. In the most recent revision (1963) of the New Zealand Coat of Arms, two fern leaves provide a base for the supporters to stand upon. In both instances of official recognition the leaves are shown in green, not silver. The fern portrayed is Cyathea dealbata, but the emblem differs slightly from the original in that it is usually given a smaller stalk.
The kiwi as a national emblem is of comparatively recent date. It was used after 1911 in the badge of the 2nd South Canterbury (Territorial) Regiment and became widely known from the giant kiwi carved on the chalk hill above Sling Camp, England, during the First World War. After 1940 the kiwi became synonymous with New Zealand servicemen overseas. The Kiwi Concert Party, which toured many battle areas during the Second World War, and the Kiwi (New Zealand Army) Football Team, which toured the British Isles, France, and Germany in 1945–46, greatly enhanced the emblem's popularity. Although in recent years it has rivalled the silver fern to some extent, the kiwi has never received official recognition or legal protection as the country's emblem. More recently, the kiwi has become the emblem used by New Zealand rugby league representative teams.
As early as 1916 the kowhai was suggested as a national emblem; but although this claim has often been revived it has never been widely accepted. The clematis and manuka flowers have also had their advocates, but these have not made much headway against the fern leaf. Among the birds, the huia, tui, and bellbird have been suggested, and New Zealand's only reptile, the tuatara has also received some support.
by Bernard John Foster, M.A., Research Officer, Department of Internal Affairs, Wellington.