National Flags

Flags

• What are flags?• What are their purposes?• What do they mean?• Why are they important?• Is it time to change our national flag?

Answers• Flags are  a piece of cloth, usually rectangular, of

distinctive color and design, used as a symbol, standard, signal, or emblem.

• The study of flags is called – vexillology (Latin – means flag or banner)

• Flags have had great uses in the past:- Communication- Identification- Advertising - Decoration

Which flag is this?

St George's Flag (England’s Flag)

How about this flag??

Scotland’s flag

Why is this flag significant

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The Union Jack

This is Great Britain’s Flag – countries that have the Union Jack in their flag are part of (or were part of) the

British Empire.

Identify these flags?

New Zealand’s Flag

New Zealand’s First Flag

Flag of the United Tribes of New Zealand – created in 1834

What’s in our flag??

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.

New Zealand was once a British colony and dominion.

Do you think it is time to change the flag?

1. In groups write down as many arguments for and against changing the flag as you can.

2. Identify the TWO strongest arguments for each side of the argument. Explain WHY you think they are strongest.

3. Evaluate: Which point of view is the strongest AND what would you say to persuade your opponents?

Some ideas for a new flag??

What about this one??

This one??

How bout this one??

And this one??

Possible flag idea from Helen Clark

This one??

Arguments for changeArguments for change•  Is very similar to and is sometimes confused with the

Australian flag; • As a defaced Blue Ensign, it alludes to New Zealand being

a colony or sub-part of the United Kingdom; • Ignores New Zealand's Māori heritage and other ethnic

groups; • Does not evoke emotional feelings and is rarely flown by

New Zealanders; • Has little connection with the land; • New Zealand organisation for war veterans do not openly

back the current flag.

Arguments against changeArguments against change• Was chosen by New Zealanders; • Does evoke emotional response in them; • Represents the history of the country as a part of

the British Empire and location in the southern hemisphere; • Is a colourful design; • No one flag challenging the current one; • Is the flag New Zealanders have fought and died

for, and changing it would be greatly offensive to New Zealand's war veterans; • Has represented the country for over a century.