National symbols of New Zealand are used to represent what is unique about the nation, reflecting different aspects of its cultural life and history.
| Symbol | Image | Adopted | Remarks | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flag | 24 March 1902[1] | A Blue Ensign with the Southern Cross of four white-edged red five-pointed stars centered on the outer half of the flag.[2] | |||
| Coat of arms | Coat of arms of New Zealand | Adopted in 1911 and revised in 1956[3] | The symbols on the shield represent the country's maritime trade, agriculture and industry. A European woman and a Māori chief flank the left and right sides, identifying New Zealand as a bicultural nation (European New Zealanders and Māori). The figures are supported by the silver fern, a native plant. The St Edward's Crown is a reminder that New Zealand is a constitutional monarchy.[4] | ||
| National anthems | "God Defend New Zealand" and "God Save the King" | "God Defend New Zealand" was adopted in 1977.[5] | Both are official, though in most circumstances "God Defend New Zealand" is used as the anthem. "God Save the King" is generally used only on regal and viceregal occasions. | ||
| National colours | The national colours of New Zealand orders are black, white or silver, and red ochre. | New Zealand Orders have used these colours since 1975.[6] | The national Māori flag also uses these colours, with attached symbolism.[7] Red ochre (Maori: kokowai) has a spiritual significance in Māori culture, associated with life and vitality.[8] |
| Symbol | Image | Remarks | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| National bird | Kiwi (Apteryx mantelli) | The term Kiwis has been used as a nickname for New Zealanders since at least World War I, and the bird's use as a symbol for the country dates from the same era.[9] | ||
| National plant | Silver fern (Cyathea dealbata) | A species of medium-sized tree fern, endemic to New Zealand. Often referred to by its Māori name, ponga, the silver fern has been used to represent New Zealand since the 1880s.[10] | ||
| National flower | Kōwhai (Sophora tetraptera) | Evergreen tree, producing bright yellow flowers in spring. Blooms of kōwhai are found throughout New Zealand in a diverse range of habitats.[11] The Department of Conservation notes that kōwhai is widely regarded as being the national flower. | ||
| National personification | Zealandia | Popular in the late 19th and early 20th century. Now rarely used, other than as a supporter on the coat of arms.[12] |
Icons of New Zealand culture are almost as well known by New Zealanders and visitors as unofficial symbols. Certain items of popular culture thought to be unique to New Zealand are also called "Kiwiana".[13]
| Image | Remarks | |
|---|---|---|
| The All Blacks | The country's national rugby union team – three times world champions, and the country's best known sports team both locally and internationally. | |
| The Beehive | The distinctly shaped executive wing of New Zealand Parliament Buildings, built in the 1970s. | |
| Bungy jumping | Popularised by A.J. Hackett in the South Island,[14] it has become a popular extreme sport worldwide. | |
| Haka | A traditional Māori war dance, now widely used by sports teams as a challenge and by schools as a tribute or honour. | |
| Hei-tiki | Traditional Māori ornamental pendants. | |
| Kiwifruit | This fruit was branded kiwifruit when growers in New Zealand established successful cultivars suitable for export.[15] It remains a major export for the country. | |
| Koru | The koru, widely used in traditional Māori art, is a stylised depiction of an unfurling silver fern frond.[16] | |
| The Lord of the Rings | The film trilogy (and the subsequent The Hobbit trilogy) highlighted New Zealand's natural scenery and is widely associated with the country worldwide.[17] | |
| Mitre Peak | A distinctive peak which dominates Milford Sound, one of the country's most popular tourist destinations.[18] | |
| Pāua | A species of abalone. Its flesh is a delicacy, and its iridescent shell is used for ornamentation. | |
| Pavlova | A meringue cake with a crisp crust and soft, marshmallow centre, topped with whipped cream and fruit. Its country of origin is widely contested by Australia.[19] | |
| Pounamu ("Greenstone") | Nephrite jade, highly valued by Māori both physically and spiritually.[20] | |