Describe the present national flag of New Zealand.When was it made official? How many stars are there on New Zealand's flag and how are they positione

The New Zealand Flag is the symbol of the realm government and people of New Zealand. Its royal blue background is reminiscent of the blue sea and clear sky surrounding us. The stars of the Southern Cross emphasise this country's location in the South Pacific Ocean. The Union Flag gives recognition to our historical foundations and the fact that New Zealand was once a British colony and dominion.

On a flag four red five-pointed stars symbolizing a geographical position of the country and representing the brightest stars of constellation of the Southern Cross are represented.

The distance of the centre of the star nearest the outer edge of the fly from the point of intersection shall be equal to twelve-sixtieths of the hoist of the ensign, and the distance of the centre of the star nearest the Union Jack from the point of intersection shall be equal to fourteen-sixtieths of the hoist of the ensign.

As New Zealand's national symbol the New Zealand Flag should be treated in a manner worthy of its high status. The Flags, Emblems, and Names Protection Act 1981, administered by the Ministry for Culture and Heritage, defines and protects the Flag. Contained in the Act is the power to prosecute those who misuse it.
12 June 2002 marked the centenary of the New Zealand Flag, which became our official flag amidst the pomp and patriotism surrounding the South African War. To mark this occasion, the Ministry delved into the maritime origins of the New Zealand Flag and looked at the history of previous flags used in New Zealand, including that chosen by the United Tribes in 1834 to be the first flag of New Zealand.
http://mch.govt.nz/nzflag/history.html
http://mch.govt.nz/index.html


From these early beginnings, the New Zealand Flag has gone on to represent New Zealand in almost every arena, perhaps most notably on the battlefield and the sports field. 100 years on, it continues to provide a tangible link to New Zealand across the world, from some of the most remote regions of Antarctica to the September 11 rubble of the World Trade Center towers in New York.