The Wellington Citizens Flag: A Symbol of National Identity

The Wellington Citizens flag embodies immense cultural value and tells a fascinating story. The 21st of October, 1899 can be regarded as a significant day in New Zealand's journey towards independent nationhood. It was referred to as 'The greatest celebration and greatest assemblage ever held in Wellington-unparalleled in the history of the colony'. Tens of thousands from all walks of life and all regions of the country had converged on the capital to bid farewell to New Zealand's first Expeditionary Force, who were to head off to fight in the South African war. All were rallying to the motherland's hour of need. Although loyal and proudly British, a parallel patriotism was also clearly emerging. As historian Ron Polanski explained: 'The SA war 1899 was the first opportunity for New Zealand as a whole to display its distinctive identity to the outside world'. Within this context, the Wellingtonians had spontaneously taken the initiative to gift the soldiers a distinctly New Zealand ensign, to take with them to war. The flag, based on the New Zealand naval ensign, was completed and ready for handover only hours before the SS Waiwera troopship was due to leave the harbour. It was described by the evening post as 'The New Zealand Ensign-made of blue silk, four and a half foot long and three foot wide, with the Southern cross stars worked in white silk. The flag was attached to a polished honeysuckle flagpole and a silver plate was fixed with the inscription, 'Presented by the Citizens of Wellington to the New Zealand Contingent on their leaving for the Transvaal, October 1899.' the British military officers vehemently opposed the citizens flag and blocked several attempts to hand it over. For them, the troops should be loyal only to the Union Jack. Even the feisty Mrs Seddon, wife of the Prime Minister, tried to have the newly made flag unfurled on the deck of the departing ship. However, the military hierarchy refused to budge. The tension that the flag caused on the wharf side, amidst that spontaneous outpouring of national pride, symbolised a watershed moment in the colony's short history. This momentum gathered pace until the end of the three year war when it was finally legislated as the official national flag in 1902. The flag was gifted to St Mary's church, Karori, Wellington by surviving members of the first Contingent in 1936. It was initially displayed by an altar and then moved into storage before recently surviving a fire. Funds raised from the sale will help complete a new community building next to the church. The flag measures 77 x 151 cm. Contributions by Mike Dwight