Learn about the flag of New Zealand , its colonial past, the Southern Cross constellation and the country information. Find out the flag emoji, the adoption date, the population and the GDP per capita of New Zealand . Learn about the history, design and meaning of the New Zealand flag , based on the British Blue Ensign with four red stars representing the Southern Cross. Find out how the flag was adopted, changed and debated over time. The New Zealand flag debate is a question over whether the national flag should be changed. For several decades, alternative designs have been proposed, with varying degrees of support. There is no consensus among proponents of changing the flag as to which design should replace the current one. Common criticisms of the existing form of the New Zealand flag are its similarity to the Australian flag and the inappropriateness of retaining the Union Jack in the design. A series of polls ... Flag of New Zealand 🇳🇿 New Zealand emoji The flag of New Zealand , also known as the New Zealand Ensign, features a blue field with the Union Jack in the canton (upper left quarter) and four red stars with white borders on the fly side (right half). This distinctive design combines elements of colonial heritage and Southern Hemisphere symbolism, reflecting New Zealand 's unique identity and place in the world.