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The Union Flag symbolises New Zealand's Commonwealth heritage. The stars represent the constellation of Crux, the Southern Cross. Starting at 6 o'clock and going clockwise, the stars are Acrux, Mimosa, gamma Crucis and delta Crucis . The horizontal limb intersects the vertical limb at an angle of 82 degrees.
The flag proportion is 2:1 and the colours are Red (Pantone 186), Blue (Pantone 280) and White. Proportion and colours are identical to the Union Flag.
For several years there has been a debate as to whether or not New Zealand should adopt a new flag. Proponents of the idea claim that the present flag is old fashioned and doesn't invoke emotional feelings. Opponents say this is the flag they fought and died under, so it shouldn't be changed. Currently in New Zealand opinion polls indicate a substantial majority in favour of retaining the present flag.
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