^{This page is part of © FOTW Flags Of The World website}

New Zealand - The Silver Fern and Other Emblems

See also:

The Silver Fern

The Silver Fern is widely used in New Zealand to signify New Zealandness. It is incorporated in the badges of most Army units, and more importantly it forms the wreath surrounding the central badge on Regimental Colours (equivalent to the UK Union Wreath and the Canadian “autumnal maple leaves”).
Todd Mills, 11 Nov 1997

I believe the rugby All Blacks first played overseas (NSW) in 1884 when they wore a gold fern leaf on blue jerseys. In 1905 they changed to a silver fern on the now-famous all-black uniform.

NZ Army contingents first saw overseas service in the South African war of 1899-1902, and they wore fern leaf badges. By WWI the fern leaf was the predominant badge in the Army, much like the Canadian maple leaf, which served as the background for all units raised for the CEF. I don’t have good documentation on pre-1900 NZ Army badges, but fern leaves seem to have made their first appearance in the 1860s (maybe).

In the British Army, the Union Wreath (roses, thistles, shamrocks) surrounding a central device has long been a major feature of Regimental Colours. Around 1900 (I can’t find the exact date), this was changed in the Dominions to a wreath of a national plant (Canada = maple, Australia = wattle, South Africa = protea, New Zealand = fern).

Todd Mills, 07 Sep 1998

Fighting Kiwi

by Jorge Candeias, 6 June 2001

A similar flag [to the fighting kangaroo - not shown] called the Fighting Kiwi has become popular in New Zealand, another country where the continued use of the Union jack is also in question. Neither of these animal flags, however, is a serious contender to replace the present national flags.
Jorge Candeias, quoting from [cra90], 6 June 2002