The flag of Niue was adopted on 15 October 1975. It consists of the Union Jack in the upper left corner with a star in the middle of the Union Jack and four stars forming a diamond around it. It is very unusual for a flag based on a British ensign design, in having not only a yellow background, but also a defaced (edited) Union Jack in the canton.[1] It was designed by Patricia Rex, the wife of the then-Premier Robert Rex.[2]
 Flag of Niue | |
| Use | Civil and state flag |
|---|---|
| Proportion | 1:2 |
| Adopted | 15 October 1975 |
| Design | A golden yellow flag with the Union flag in the upper left (hoist) quarter of the flags. On the Union Jack are two yellow five-pointed stars on the vertical stripe and two on the horizontal stripe. In the centre of the Union flag is a blue disc with another, slightly larger, yellow five-pointed star. |
| Designed by | Patricia Rex |
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Definition
editFrom the Niue Flag Act 1975: "The Niue National Flag shall be a golden yellow flag, bearing on the upper canton of the hoist there of the Union Flag, commonly known as the Union Jack, displaying 2 five-pointed yellow stars on the vertical line and on the horizontal line thereof separated by a blue disc containing a larger five-pointed yellow star."[3]
Symbolism
editThe symbolism represented by the flag is described in the Act. The Union Jack symbolises the protection granted by the United Kingdom in 1900 after petitioning by the Kings and Chiefs of Niue. The yellow field symbolises "the bright sunshine of Niue and the warm feelings of the Niuean people towards New Zealand and her people."[3] The association with New Zealand, which took over responsibility and administration of Niue in 1901, is also represented by the four small stars that depict the Southern Cross. Finally, the blue disc containing a larger star represents the deep blue sea surrounding the self-governing island of Niue.[3]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ William Crampton (1994) The World of Flags, Rand Mcnally ISBN 0528837206
- ^ Toa Niue: Sir Robert Rex Reading Warrior
- ^ a b c "Niue Flag Act 1975" (PDF). Niue Laws. Government of Niue. 2006.
