Australia Flag vs. New Zealand Flag: both Australia and New Zealand were under British rule. Therefore, their similar flags are similar in many ways. However, if we talk about the Australian Vs. New Zealand flag, several differences can be noted between these two. The main difference between the Australian and New Zealand flags is due to the commonwealth star, which is present in the Flag of Australia, while the Flag of New Zealand doesn’t have it.
Let’s take a closer look at Australia vs. New Zealand Flags
| Adoption Date | The flag of Australia was adopted on February 11, 1903, and the New Zealand flag on March 24, 1902 |
| Number of Stars | There are six stars in Australia’s Flag and 4 in New Zealand’s Flag |
| Color of Stars | The star present in the Flag of Australia is white in color, while red is in New Zealand’s Flag. |
| Border | Australia’s national flag doesn’t have any border, while the Flag of New Zealand has a white border around the stars. |
Table of Contents
What is the Australia Flag?
The Flag of Australia was first flown in 1901 and expressed that country’s pride and identity. In 1903, two designs for the Flag of Australia were approved by King Edward VII for the merchant navy, the first one was the commonwealth blue ensign, and the second one was the commonwealth red ensign. The blue ensign was there for naval and official purposes, while the red ensign was there for the merchant fleet, but the public started to use red ensign on land. The flag is now paraded by the defense forces and is displayed around the country at the sporting events of schools, community groups, and citizens.
What is the New Zealand Flag?
The Flag of New Zealand represents the image of individuals, domains, and the government of New Zealand. This flag was adopted in 1834, six years before the separation of New Zealand from New South Wales. This flag has a regal blue foundation from the ensign of the blue squadron of the Royal Navy. The Southern cross stars represent the nation’s area in the South Pacific Ocean. The union jack on the left top of the flag represents New Zealand’s roots as a British province and territory. This flag is made up of spun polyester, the most durable material.
6 Key Differences Between Australian Flag and New Zealand Flag
| Components | Australian Flag | New Zealand Flag |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | The Flag of Australia has a blue field with a union jack on the upper hoist quarter, a large seven-pointed star known as the commonwealth star in the lower hoist, and five stars of the southern cross. | The Flag of New Zealand has four red stars with white borders on the right. This pattern of stars represents the Southern Cross. |
| History | The Flag of Australia was flown on September 3, 1901, for the first time at the exhibition in Melbourne, which was the seat of the federal government then. But in the original design, there were different points of the Southern Cross. | The Flag of New Zealand was first flown in 1830 when the customs officials seized the trading ship built in Hokianga in the Sydney port. Because it was sailing without the flag. New Zealand did not have any flags and was not a colony then. |
| Symbols | There Are three Symbols of the Flag of Australia:Union JackCommonwealth StarSouthern Cross | The Flag of New Zealand has two prominent symbols Union JackSouthern Cross |
| Design | The Flag of Australia has a commonwealth star in the lowest hoist quarter and the five stars of the southern cross in the fly half of the blue field. | Admiral Sir Albert Hasting Ma designed the New Zealand flag. Each star is red with a white border and has five points. |
| Color | The Australian flag has two colors with references: Red Pantone® 185 and Blue Pantone® 280 | New Zealand flag has three colors with codes: White (#FFFFFF), Philippine Red (#CC142B), and Catalina Blue (#00247D) |
| Flag Protection Law | A person who desecrates the national Flag of Australia by willfully burning or mutilating it is liable on conviction to a fine at level 5 and 3 years in prison. | If a personal offense to damage the Flag of New Zealand in any way with intentions, the penalty is a fine of up to $5,000 |
Australian Flag vs. New Zealand Flag Similarities
- Both New Zealand and Australian flags have a background of blue color.
- The symbols on Australia and New Zealand flags are similar; both have a union jack at the top left corner.
- The star design is also on both flags’ right side, representing the southern star constellation.
Australia vs. New Zealand Flag Pros and Cons
Australia Flag Pros and Cons
Pros of the Australian Flag
- The Australian flag is made of knitted polyester, a great material for indoor and low-wind areas.
- The design of the Australian flag acknowledged the principles of British heritage, which includes the rule of law, freedom of speech, right of citizens, and their responsibilities.
Cons of Australian Flag
- The Australian flag does not accurately connote Australia’s status as an independent nation.
- According to one debate, the Flag of Australia is similar to other flags. One cannot find the difference between the Australian and New Zealand Flag easily because they have so many similarities.
New Zealand Flag Pros and Cons
Pros of the New Zealand Flag
- The flag of New Zealand represents the realm, people, and the government of New Zealand.
- The New Zealand flag is made of spun polyester, which is more durable than the standard 155gsm knitted polyester.
Cons of New Zealand flag
- According to common criticism, there is not much difference between the New Zealand and Australia flags. And the retaining of the union jack in design is also inappropriate.
- Proponents also argue that the flag does not represent the current status of New Zealand.
Comparison Chart
Comparison Video
Australia Flag vs. New Zealand Flag FAQs
Why Do Australia and New Zealand Have British Flags?
Because it represents the historical foundation of both countries as former British colonies.
Why Are Australia and New Zealand Flags Similar?
There are a lot of similarities if we compare the Australian Flag Vs. NZ flag. This is because they chose the Southern Cross constellation for their flags.
How Many Stars Are on the Australian and New Zealand Flags?
There are six stars in the Flag of Australia, while the New Zealand flag has four stars.
Which Came First, Australia or the New Zealand Flag?
Suppose we talk about the New Zealand flag Vs. Australian flag, the New Zealand flag, was adopted five decades before the Australian flag.
Conclusion
When we talk about the Australian Flag Versus the New Zealand Flag, both have many similarities and differences. The similarities of NZ Vs. Aus flag is due to the same background and presence of the union jack at the top left corner. And the difference between Australia and New Zealand flags is due to the commonwealth star, which is present in the Flag of Australia but absent in the New Zealand flag. Moreover, the Australian flag has six stars, including the commonwealth star, while the New Zealand Flag has four stars without the commonwealth star, which is the main New Zealand and Australia flag difference.
