Difference between the Australian and New Zealand flag

Although Australia and New Zealand are two independent countries, their flags are similar in many respects making it sometimes difficult to tell them apart.

The Australian flag has a blue background along with the Union Jack (the United Kingdom’s flag) on the top left corner. So far, there is no difference with the New Zealand flag which also features the British flag on a blue background.

Both flags also include a representation of the Southern Cross, a constellation that can only be seen in the southern hemisphere. The Southern Cross highlights the countries’ belonging to the southern hemisphere. Other countries also feature the Southern Cross on their flag such as Brazil, Samoa, or Papua New Guinea.

On the New Zealand flag, the Southern Cross shows 4 of its 5 main stars. The stars are red and surrounded by a white border. The red colour highlights the importance of Māori culture in New Zealand as red is seen as a powerful and sacred colour.

On the Australian flag, you will find the Southern Cross’ 5 brightest stars in white. You will also notice another star under the Union Jack, the Commonwealth Star. This 7-pointed star represents the Australian Federation. The first six points represent the six original Australian states (Western Australia, South Australia, New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, and Tasmanie) while the seventh point (added in 1909) represents the territory of Papua as well as Australia’s future territories.