Coat of Arms of New Zealand

To the right is the Coat of Arms of New Zealand.

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Until 1911, New Zealand used the same national coat of arms as the United Kingdom. Since being granted its own arms in 1911, New Zealand's arms have remained similar to the current design, with minor changes in 1956.

Related Topics:
1911 - New Zealand - Coat of arms - United Kingdom - 1956

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Since 1911, the central shield has remained unaltered: a quartered shield containing in the first quarter four stars representing the Southern Cross constellation, as depicted on the national flag, but with the stars in different proportions; in the second quarter, a golden fleece representing the farming industry; in the third, a wheat sheaf representing agriculture; and in the fourth, two hammers representing mining and industry. Over all this is a pale, a broad vertical strip, with three ships representing the importance of sea trade, and the immigrant nature of all New Zealanders.

Related Topics:
Southern Cross constellation - National flag - Golden fleece

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The shield is supported by two figures, a blonde Pakeha (European) woman holding the New Zealand flag, and a Maori warrior holding a taiaha (Maori staff). The shield is topped with the St Edward's Crown, and beneath the shield are two fern leaves and a scroll bearing the words "New Zealand".

Related Topics:
Pakeha - Maori - St Edward's Crown - Fern

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The coat of arms are the basis of the Queen's Royal Standard of New Zealand.

Related Topics:
Queen's - Royal Standard of New Zealand

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