RNZAF Ensign

[steve]

Time for an upgrade? The present airforce ensign has been in existence I believe from WW2 however althoiugh I am pro British espercially their RAF I believe the current Ensign of the RNZAF lacks a New Zealand look to it appart from NZ in the roundel. Surtly we could have something similar to the RAAF with the Kiwi Roundel and southern cross. After all the RNZN changed from the RN esign over 30 years ago....Whats your thoughts...

[Dave Homewood]

The RNZAF ensign has actually changed in recent years. When I was in the RNZAF it had an RAF style roundel with the letters NZ in the centre. Now I understand it has the Kiwi roundel instead.

I think the RNZAF Ensign is perfectly good as it is. The RAAF may not be proud of its heritage and roots but I think the RNZAF is.

Here's a page on the RNZAF Ensign for those who don't know what we're on about.
www.geocities.com/nzflaginstitute/index_page0012.htm

I get a bit sick of hearing people wanting to change the NZ flag. The fact remains we're part of the British Commonwealth and Queen Elizabeth II is our head of state. A reflection of this in our official flag is fair enough. I also like the unnoficial flag of the silver fern on the black background. Neither need to be changed in my opinion.

The two flags of NZ suit their various purposes well, just like our two National Anthems, God Save The Queen and God Defend New Zealand.

[Dave Homewood]

Did you know Civil Aviation has a flag too, with the Southern Cross on it? See here
www.mch.govt.nz/nzflag/other-flags.htm

[steve]

That got you going!! I was unaware that the RNZAF ensign had changed with the kiwi..maybe i missed that however i believe its still the same as when you were in the service....Now call me perdantic but the "British Commonwealth" is no longer by about 25 years...the Commonwealth of Nations...80% republics etc Yeap....and more useless than the UN!....i to like the unofficial silver fern...how about that to replace our present fin flashes? No?
I like those little changes that all come togeather in nationhood...you will notice for example that the warrant officer insignia in the NZ army is no longer the british coat of arms but our own NZ coat of arms..thats seems logical to me...

Most people would be unaware that we have two national anthems since 1977 when alan highet (internal affairs minister) introduced the changes at the same time upgraded the NZ ensign to flag status...gone of topic!!

We better stay on side with our aussie cousins...I trust one day with a new govt we may get a ANZAC strike squadon...fat chance at the moment

ps Yes i was aware of the civil aviation ensign....seldom seen these days though

[corsair67]

"We better stay on side with our aussie cousins...I trust one day with a new govt we may get a ANZAC strike squadon...fat chance at the moment"


There are a few Kiwis flying in the RAAF now since Comrade Helen had a brain-snap, so that idea of an ANZAC squadron has almost happened!

[Phil]

Now I don't pay much attention to the Ensign, but I'm pretty sure last time I hoisted it, it still had the RAF roundel with the NZ in the middle. I see it every day and can't for the life of me be sure! lol

I don't think it's changed though I'll be having a look tomorrow morning.

[Dave Homewood]

I'd be glad to find out for sure. I saw a photo of an Ensign on the RNZAF website (or maybe some other website) some time back with the Kiwi rather than NZ

[phil]

It hasn't changed. Still the RAF roundel with NZ in the middle. I wouldn't put much faith in anything you see on the RNZAF website, it was probably a graphic designer having a poorly researched day.

[Dave Homewood]

Cheers for clearing that up Phil.

Yes, recently i spotted the website said the NZPAF became the RNZAF in 1937. It didn't. The name changed in 1934. Oity the public face of the force cannot get it right.

[SEAN]

Here Dave this is from the NZAP 3327 Chap 7

[Dave Homewood]

Cheers Sean. I recall that info from my Basic Training days now. I've always liked the Ensign, it's a great flag.