Dutchman Abel Tasman discovered New Zealand in 1642. Yet the British were the first to circumnavigate and mapped it (Captain Cook beginning in 1769), settle it (James Busby first resident in 1833), purchase land (Treaty of Waitangi in 1840), create the Colony of New Zealand (1841) and form the self-governing Dominion of New Zealand (1907). In fact, the United Kingdom’s sovereign is still the head of state for the constitutional monarchy. No wonder New Zealand’s flag incorporates the Union Jack in the upper left corner (canton). The four stars are the Southern Cross. Also called the Crux, it represents a Southern Hemisphere constellation. The flag’s background color is normally royal blue. This Red Ensign is reserved for merchant vessels while at sea. In the background is Lady Bowen Falls.
