The Union Jack was the official New Zealand flag from 1840 until 1902.
The first Union flag (or Union Jack) was created by James I in 1606 to represent his new realm of England (including Wales) and Scotland. It was, fittingly, based on the flags of the patron saints of the two countries, St George and St Andrew. The addition of Ireland to the Kingdom of Great Britain in 1801 saw St Patrick's cross incorporated into the design, forming the Union flag which is still used today. The modern Union flag was frequently used by the Navy, and the name 'Union Jack' is believed to derive from the flying of the flag on the jackstaff at the bow of vessels. In 1908, the British Parliament officially approved the name 'Union Jack' for the Union flag.
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