The first formal New Zealand coat of arms was adopted in 1911 and revised in 1956. The revised coat of arms, shown here, includes a European woman and a Māori man, representing the immigrant and indigenous peoples of the country. The wheat sheaf and the lamb on the shield represent agriculture; the hammers represent industry. The crown above the shield is a reminder that New Zealand is a constitutional monarchy. Fern fronds are found at the foot of the coat of arms because the fern is a popular symbol of New Zealand (many sportspeople representing New Zealand wear a silver fern on their uniforms).
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Manatū Taonga – Ministry for Culture and Heritage, Heritage Operations
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