Story: Flags

Blue Ensign with white disc, 1917 (2nd of 2)

Blue Ensign with white disc, 1917

In 1899 the British Admiralty approved the addition of a white disc, containing the existing four red stars, to the New Zealand Blue Ensign. This flag was supposed to be used at sea only but it soon came to be used on land. An example is shown in the background (right-hand side) of this Remuera District School class photo, taken in 1917.

Using this item

Auckland City Libraries – Tāmaki Pātaka Kōrero, Sir George Grey Special Collections
Reference: 1099-3
Photograph by Paul F. Baker

Permission of Auckland City Libraries Tāmaki Pātaka Kōrero must be obtained before any re-use of this image.

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How to cite this page:

Kerryn Pollock, 'Flags - New Zealand flag', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/33973/blue-ensign-with-white-disc-1917 (accessed 4 May 2024)

Story by Kerryn Pollock, published 20 Jun 2012, reviewed & revised 20 Apr 2016